Mandrel flex circuit routing

ABSTRACT

Cable assemblies for providing electrical communication between hinged sections of an electronic device are described. The cable assemblies can include a cover that covers one or more cables that run through a hinge region of the electronic device. The cable and cover can be drawn over a mandrel of the hinge region. The cover and the portions of the mandrel can be visible to a user at the hinge region of the electronic device. The cover can be sufficiently rigid to guide a path of the cable and protect the cable from bending beyond a prescribed angle during rotation of the electronic device at the hinge region. The cover can also be sufficiently rigid to prevent ceasing or folding of the cover and the cable during rotation of the electronic device at the hinge region. The cable assemblies can also include a hinged cover that can be pivoted to close a gap between two hinged sections of the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present national phase application claims the benefit ofInternational Application PCT/US2016/030816 with an international filingdate of May 4, 2016, entitled “MANDREL FLEX CIRCUIT ROUTING”, whichclaims the benefit of priority (1) to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/167,848, entitled “MANDREL FLEX CIRCUIT ROUTING”, filed May 28, 2015,and (2) said PCT/US2016/030816 is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 14/704,447, entitled “ELECTRONICDEVICE WITH DYNAMIC HINGE GAP COVER,” filed May 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat.No. 9,513,672. The contents of all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to covers as part of cableassemblies for electronic devices. More particularly, the presentembodiments relate to routing cable assemblies over hinged sections ofelectronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Many consumer electronic devices have multiple housing sections. Often,signals must be sent from one housing section to another housingsection. Electronic devices may have electronics in one housing sectionthat receives a signal from another housing section. For example, alaptop computing device may have a display mounted in a display housingsection that receives signals from a timing controller mounted inanother housing section. The display housing section may also rotate orbe movable in relation to another housing section through a hinge. Forexample, many laptop computers have a display housing section thatrotates around a hinge assembly to facilitate viewing of the display andto allow access to user input controls located on a main housingassembly.

One challenge associated with a hinged electronic device enclosure issecurely routing a signal from one housing section to another housingsection. Some electronic devices route a signal transfer mechanism, suchas a flex cable, around the hinge mechanism or through a center hole ina clutch assembly of the hinge. However, methods must be implemented toassure that the cables are protected from exposure to potential damageby clutch assembly and hinge mechanism. As electronic devices getsmaller and thinner, the amount of space available for clutchassemblies, hinges and cables is constrained, making it more difficultto provide room for and properly protect the cables.

SUMMARY

This paper describes various embodiments that relate to securely routinga signal between hinged sections of an electronic device. In particularembodiments, a flex cable is routed between housing sections of anelectronic device. Further, a cover moves with the flex cable to providephysical protection to the exposed flex cable.

According to one embodiment, a laptop computer is described. The laptopcomputer includes a first portion having a first electrical component.The laptop computer also includes a second portion pivotally coupled tothe first portion along a pivot axis. The second portion has a secondelectrical component. The laptop computer further includes a flexcircuit configured to electrically couple the first and secondelectrical components. The laptop computer additionally includes a flexcircuit cover at least partially in contact with a first surface of theflex circuit and having a first end secured to the first portion and asecond end that is free to move along the first surface of the flexcircuit when the first and second portions rotate about the pivot axis.The flex circuit cover prevents the flex circuit from being seen whenthe first portion and the second portion are pivoted with respect toeach other in an open configuration.

According to another embodiment, a cover for a mandrel as part of ahinge assembly for an electronic device is described. The cover covers acable that would otherwise be exposed to a user of the electronicdevice. The cover includes a first side positioned proximate to thecable. The cable electrically connects a first portion of the electronicdevice pivotally coupled to a second portion of the electronic device.The cable is drawn over a curved surface of the mandrel that guides thecable though a hinge region of the electronic device. The cover alsoincludes a second side opposite the first side. The second side isexposed at the hinge region of the electronic device when the electronicdevice is in an open state.

According to a further embodiment, a method of covering a cable routedbetween a first portion and a second portion of an electronic device isdescribed. The first portion is pivotally coupled with the secondportion at a hinge region of the electronic device. The method includeselectrically coupling the first portion and the second portion with acable. The cable drawn is over a mandrel within the hinge region whenthe electronic device is rotated from a closed state to an open state. Asurface of the cable is exposed at the hinge region when the electronicdevice is in an open state. The method further includes covering theexposed surface of the cable with a cover. The cover is drawn over thecable and the mandrel when the electronic device is rotated from theclosed state to the open state.

According to another embodiment, a laptop computer is described. Thelaptop computer can be provided with upper and lower housing portionsthat are separated by a gap. Hinge structures can allow the upperhousing portion to rotate between a closed position in which a displayin the upper housing portion is adjacent to the lower housing portionand an open position in which the display is visible to a user.

According to another embodiment, an electronic device is described. Theelectronic device can include a flexible printed circuit in theelectronic device that can be coupled between components in the upperhousing portion such as the display and components in the lower housingportion. The flexible printed circuit can bridge the gap. A hinge gapcover can cover the gap and can overlap the flexible printed circuit toblock the flexible printed circuit from view when the upper housingportion is in the closed position.

According to another embodiment, a hinge gap cover for a laptop computeris described. The hinge gap cover can be formed from a radio-transparentmaterial that is coupled to the upper housing portion with springs. Anantenna in an interior portion of the housing can transmit and receiveantenna signals that pass through the hinge gap housing.

According to another embodiment, a housing for a laptop computer isdescribed. The housing can include an upper housing portion that canform a stop surface. When the upper housing portion is in the closedposition, the stop surface can be separated from the hinge gap cover andthe springs can hold the hinge gap cover in place over the gap. An innersurface in the lower housing portion can contact an edge of the hingegap cover to prevent the hinge gap cover from rotating. When the upperhousing is moved into the open position, the stop surface can contactthe hinge gap cover and can push the hinge gap cover away from the lowerhousing and the gap.

According to yet another embodiment, a housing for a laptop computer isdescribed. A hinge gap cover can be bowed inwardly towards the interiorof the housing when the upper housing portion is in the closed position.The flexible printed circuit can have a surface that is adjacent to thebowed surface of the hinge gap cover when the upper housing portion isin the closed position.

These and other embodiments will be described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1 shows a front facing perspective view of portable computingdevice, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a hinge portion of an electronicdevice with cover concealing a cable drawn over a mandrel of theelectronic device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show cross-sectional views of a hinged electronic devicein open and closed states, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a laminated cover, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIGS. 5A-5E show various views of a hinged electronic device havingvarious spring mechanisms for providing a returning force to a cover, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a flowchart indicating a process for protecting a cablerouted between hinged portions of an electronic device, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIGS. 7-9 show various views of another embodiment of a cover that isdesigned to conceal a cable and a mandrel of the electronic device, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view of a hinged electronic device,according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 11A-11D show various views of an exemplary tensioning mechanismassembly, according to some embodiments

FIGS. 12A-12C show perspective views of exemplary retaining features ofa cover, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anchor for securing acover, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 14A-14B shows a cross sectional view and a magnified crosssectional view of a hinged electronic device, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIGS. 15A-15B shows a cross sectional view and a magnified crosssectional view of a hinged electronic device, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIGS. 16A-16B shows a cross sectional view and a magnified crosssectional view of a hinged electronic device, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 17 shows a cross sectional view of a hinged electronic device, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 18A-18B show a perspective view and a cross sectional view of anexemplary anchor for securing a cover, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic device suchas a laptop computer having a lid in an open position, in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronicdevice in an open position, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative electronicdevice of FIG. 20 in a closed position, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 22 is a diagram of illustrative circuitry in an electronic devicethat is coupled together using a flexible signal path that crosses ahinge axis between housing structures, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 23 is rear perspective view of an illustrative electronic devicesuch as the laptop computer of FIG. 19 showing how a gap between upperand lower housings may be at least partly covered using a hinge gapcover, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a diagram of an illustrative solid hinge gap cover, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 25 is a diagram of an illustrative hinge gap cover with openings,in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a diagram of an illustrative hinge gap cover with slot-shapedopenings, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a rear view of an illustrative electronic device such as alaptop computer showing how a protruding portion of the lower housing ofthe device may cover part of a hinge gap, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative laptopcomputer in a closed position in which a hinge gap cover is used incovering a housing gap, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative laptopcomputer of FIG. 28 in an open position, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative laptopcomputer that in a closed position, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative laptopcomputer of FIG. 30 in an open position, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative laptopcomputer with a hinge cover that covers a relatively large gap, inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative laptopcomputer of FIG. 32 in an open position, in accordance with someembodiments.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative laptopcomputer that has an internal housing wall that allows a hinge gap coverto be reduced in size, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional side view of the illustrative laptopcomputer of FIG. 34 in an open position, in accordance with someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodimentsillustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatthe following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments toone preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to coveralternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included withinthe spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by theappended claims.

The following disclosure relates to covers for covering one or morecables of a hinged electronic device. In particular embodiments, thecables include a flex cable and/or a flexible printed circuit boardappropriate for transmitting a signal between portions of an electronicdevice that are connected by a hinge. In the case of a portablecomputing device (e.g., laptop computer), one portion of the electronicdevice may correspond to a lid portion having a display and anotherportion may correspond to a base portion that includes electronics incommunication with the display via the cable(s). The cable(s) can berouted through a hinge region to transmit signal between componentswithin the lid and base portions.

In some embodiments, the cable is drawn over a section of the lidportion referred to as a mandrel. The mandrel can be configured to guidethe path of the cable and protect the cable from bending beyond aprescribed angle. In particular embodiments, the mandrel has a curvedsurface to provide smooth movement of the cable. In some embodiments,the mandrel has a constant radius over which the cable is drawn. In someembodiments, the radius varies as the cable is drawn over the mandrel,while in other embodiments the radius is constant.

In further embodiments, a cover is drawn over the cable in order toprevent the cable from being directly exposed to a user of theelectronic device. In some embodiments, the cover is a sheet of materialor materials having particular physical properties, such as a certainrigidity and resilience that allows for a prescribed movement of thecover and the cable when the electronic device moves between open andclosed positions. The cover should also be sufficient durability towithstand wear and tear during the service life of the electronicdevice. The cover can have multiple layers of material in order achievethese and other desirable physical properties. The cover may include astructural layer, such as a fiberglass and polyurethane layer, givingthe cover lateral rigidity. In other examples, the cover may includepolyurethane infused para-aramid fibers or polyurethane infusedfiberglass. The rigidity of the cover allows the lid portion to drivethe cover into a cavity defined by the base portion of the electronicdevice. In some embodiments, the cover is visible to a user of theelectronic device. Thus, one layer of the cover can be a decorativelayer suitable for presentation to the user.

In some embodiments, the rigidity of the cover may provide someresistance to bending and thereby provide a restoring force forreturning the cover to an original shape. The restoring force cancooperate with constraining elements of the housing to resist folding orcreasing of the cover and/or the cable when the electronic device ismoved from an open to a closed position. A cavity within the baseportion of the electronic device can define an inner surface thatconstrains the cover during movement of the electronic device from anopen position to a closed position. The rigidity of the cover and theforces constraining the cover can cooperate to control movement of thecover as it is drawn over the mandrel, thereby preventing the cover frombuckling or folding. The cover can also constrain and control movementof the cable where the cover is in contact with the cable, therebypreventing the cable from being damaged due to bending or twisting.

In some embodiments, the cable is coupled to an electronic componentwithin the base portion of the electronic device. The cable can beattach to electronics, such as an integrated circuit or printed circuitboard with timing control suitable for driving a display assembly. Thecable may be circumferentially routed around a support member locatedwithin the base portion in a wrapped configuration. A clip located onthe guiding member can secure the cable, isolating one or more sectionsof the cable that attaches to the electronic component and preventingmovement of portions of the cable when the lid portion is rotatedrelative to the base portion. The other end of the cable can be coupledto an electronic component, such as a display assembly, within the lidportion.

In the description below, the term “mandrel” can refer to a hingemechanism, a cover for a hinge mechanism, a layer for a hinge mechanism,a lid for a hinge mechanism, a cylindrical shaft, a tubular shaft, apivot and/or swivel mechanism, or a slider mechanism. The term “mandrel”can be interchangeable with the term “hinge mechanism” or a “cover (orlid) for a hinge mechanism.”

The cable assemblies and structures described herein are well suited forintegration into consumer products. For example, the cable assembliesand structures described herein can be used in electronic devices, suchas computers, portable electronic devices, wearable electronic devicesand electronic device accessories, such as those manufactured by AppleInc., based in Cupertino, Calif.

In the description below, the terms “first portion” and “upper housingportion” can both refer to a lid of a computing device. In thedescription below, the terms “second portion” and “lower housingportion” can both refer to a base of a computing device. Furthermore, inthe description below, the terms “lower housing portion” can beinterchangeable with the terms “base housing” or “main housing.”

These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-35. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these Figures is forexplanatory purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

Flex Cable Cover

FIG. 1 shows a front facing perspective view of electronic device 100 inaccordance with some embodiments. Electronic device 100 can be a laptopcomputer. Electronic device 100 can include base portion 102, which canbe pivotally connected to lid portion 104 by way of hinge assemblywithin hinge region 106. Lid portion 104 and base portion 102 can bereferred to as different sections of electronic device 100. Lid portion104 can pivot with respect to base portion 102 with the aid of a hingeassembly within hinge region 106 from a closed position to remain in anopen position and back again. Lid portion 104 can include display 108and rear cover 110. Base portion 102 can include bottom case 112 that isfastened to top case 114. Top case 114 can be configured to accommodatevarious user input devices such as keyboard 116 and touchpad 118, whichcan be configured to receive finger gesturing input from a user. Baseportion 102 and lid portion 104 can each define internal chambers orcavities that house internal components of electronic device 100. Thus,lid portion 104 and base portion 102 can function as housings forinternal components. Cables, such as flex cables (hidden from view), canelectrically couple internal components within base portion 102 and lidportion 104. The cables can provide communication between the internalcomponents within base portion 102 and lid portion 104 and/or providepower to internal components within base portion 102 and/or lid portion104.

Descried herein are cable assemblies that can be used in conjunctionwith hinged electronic devices, such as electronic device 100. The cableassemblies can include covers that protect and guide the cables duringmovement of the hinged electronic devices. In some embodiments, thecovers are visible to a user of the electronic device. To illustrate,FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a portion of electronic device 200having a first portion 206 and second portion 208. In some embodiments,first portion 206 corresponds to a lid portion and second portion 208corresponds to a base portion of a portable computer. First portion 206includes mandrel 204, which can be part of a hinge assembly ofelectronic device 200. Covers 202 and 210 can be used to coverunderlying cables, such as flex cables, that electrically connect firstportion 206 and second portion 208. In some embodiments, covers 202 and210 are in the form of sheets of material or laminated material. Covers202 and 210 and the underlying cables are drawn over a surface ofmandrel 204 as first portion 206 pivots with respect to second portion208.

Covers 202 and 210 can be visible to a user of electronic device 200 andhide the underlying cables from view. Thus, covers 202 and 210 should beaesthetically pleasing as well as durable enough to withstand wear fromexposure to external environmental conditions and from opening/closingof electronic device 200. In some embodiments, covers 202 and 210 arethe same color as mandrel 204, which can also be visible to a user. Forexample, covers 202/210 and mandrel 204 can have a matching black colorsuch that covers 202/210 and mandrel appear as one piece. In otherembodiments, covers 202 and 210 have a different color than mandrel 204,providing an aesthetically pleasing contrasting effect. Any suitablecolor combination can be used as dictated by design requirements.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two covers 202 and 210 are shown.However, any suitable number of covers can be used to cover any suitablenumber of cables. For example, covers 202 and 210 can each cover asingle cable or multiple cables. In other embodiments, only one cover isused, or more than two covers are used. In some embodiments, only one ofcovers 202 and 210 covers cable(s) while the other of covers 202 and 210does not cover any cable(s). In some embodiments, covers 202 and 210 arewider than the underlying cables. In some embodiments, a single coverspans an entire visible surface of mandrel 204, presenting a continuouscover over the surface of mandrel 204 to a user.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show cross sectional views of a hinged electronic device300, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 3A shows a crosssectional view of electronic device 300 in a closed state and FIG. 3Bshows a cross sectional view of electronic device 300 in an open state.Electronic device 300 includes a first portion 302 coupled to a secondportion 304. First portion 302 can correspond to a lid portion (or upperhousing portion) and second portion 304 can correspond to a base portion(or lower housing portion) of electronic device 300. First portion 302and second portion 304 can share a common axis of rotation with respectto pivot line or pivot axis 306. First portion 302 and second portion304 can be pivotally coupled to each other via a suitable hingemechanism. For example, the hinge mechanism can include one or moreclutch mechanisms that provide a predetermined resistance to opening andclosing forces applied by a user. The exact hinge mechanism may varydepending on design requirements. However the general region aroundpivot axis 306 can be referred to as a hinge region 301 of electronicdevice 300.

Electronic device 300 includes cable 310, which provides electricalcommunication between first portion 302 and second portion 304. Forexample, cable 310 can provide electrical connection between electroniccomponent 311 of first portion 302 and electronic component 312 ofsecond portion 304. Electronic component 311 can be in electricallycommunication with display assembly 330, which is mounted on firsthousing 331. Display assembly 330 can include any suitable type ofdisplay for use in electronic device 300, such as a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) and/or organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen.Electronic component 312 can include an integrated circuit and/or aprinted circuit board, and can include a timing control mechanismconfigured to drive display assembly 330. Electronic component 312 ishoused within cavity 308 defined by second housing 305. In someembodiments, cable 310 provides power from a battery (not shown) withinsecond housing 305 to display assembly 330. Cable 310 can be anysuitable type of cable, including a flex cable, a flexible printedcircuit board, or any suitable mechanism for transmitting an electricalsignal between the portions 302 and 304. In some embodiments the cable310 is a single layer flex cable, however a multiple layered flex cablemay be used. A single layer flex cable 310 can be used in some cases inorder to reduce the stack height of the cable 310. Electronic device 300can include any suitable number of cables 310. In a particularembodiment, electronic device 300 includes two cables 310.

It should be noted that cable 310 could be directly routed between firstportion 302 and second portion 304 without passing through a clutchmechanism. Thus, a number of mechanisms can be used to guide themovement of cable 310 when first portion 302 is pivoted with respect tosecond portion 304. For example, hinge region 301 can include mandrel318, which can be in the form of a cylinder-like portion of firstportion 302. As shown, when electronic device 300 is moved from a closedstate in FIG. 3A to an open state in FIG. 3B, cable 310 is drawn over acurved surface of mandrel 318 to keep cable 310 from bucking or folding.That is, a portion of cable 310 can take on a curved shape in accordancewith the curved surface of mandrel 318 when electronic device 300 isrotated to an open configuration shown in FIG. 3B. The curved surface ofmandrel 318 has a radius R, defined with respect to a pivot axis 306,which can be constant where cable 310 is drawn over mandrel 318.Alternatively, the surface of mandrel 318 may have a variable radiuswhere the cable 310 is drawn. In some embodiments, the surface ofmandrel 318 is segmented to correspond to sections of the flex cable310. In some embodiments, mandrel 318 runs along a full width ofelectronic device 300. In some embodiments, mandrel 318 has a continuouscurved surface, while in other embodiments, mandrel 318 includessubstantially flat segments that maintain cable 310 in a substantiallyflat configuration in corresponding sections of cable 310.

Referring to FIG. 3B, since cable 310 is drawn over mandrel 318, cable310 would be exposed at hinge region 301 to a user when electronicdevice 300 is in an open state. Thus, cover 322 can be used to cover andprotect a side of cable 310 at hinge region 301 that would otherwise beexposed to a user. Cover 322 can be flexible, and therefore, like cable310, can take on a curved shape in accordance with the curved surface ofmandrel 318 when electronic device 300 is rotated to an openconfiguration shown in FIG. 3B.

In some embodiments, the radial or curved nature of the surface ofmandrel 318 can impart benefits to the flex cable 310 while theelectronic device 300 is rotated between the open configuration and theclosed configuration. The radial/curved surface design of the mandrel318 leverages unidirectional bending in the flex cable 310 which canpromote maximizing flex cable 310 cycle life and minimize bendingstresses imposed on the flex cable 310. The flex cable 310 always bendsin one direction and does not invert backwards (i.e., the flex cable 310furls and unfurls in a coiled configuration with the curved surface ofmandrel 318 helping to prescribe a minimum bend radius in the hingeregion 301). In some embodiments, unidirectional bending can be anoptimal configuration for cycle life of the flex cable 310 as opposed tobidirectional or inverse cyclical bending. A similar principal is foundin effective torsion spring design where the coils of the springs alwaysbend in only a single direction. Furthermore, the curved surface designof mandrel 318 can promote condensing the flex service loop motion intoa volumetrically efficient space. Accordingly, the curved surface ofmandrel 318 can exert on the flex cable 310 to be condensed into thecavity 308 of the second portion 304 while avoiding straining the flexcable 310 or imparting minimal bending stress on the flex cable 310 asit is looped in the cavity 308.

In some embodiments, as the electronic device 300 is rotated between anopen state (see FIG. 3B) and a closed state (see FIG. 3A), the flexcable 310 can be imparted to bend in only a single direction. Incontrast, a flex cable that is designed to bend in multiple directionsand is condensed into a volumetrically efficient space (e.g., cavity308) can impose a greater amount of stress on the furled section of theflex cable 310. Unidirectional bending significantly reduces the amountof stress on the flex cable 310 and promotes greater cycle life andpackaging.

In some embodiments, the flex cable 310 is described as bending along asingle direction. In some embodiments, the direction can refer to therelative position of one point with respect to another point. In someembodiments, direction can refer to translation of motion where a point(or section) of the flex cable 310 changes position in athree-dimensional space according to an x-coordinate, y-coordinate, andz-coordinate. In some embodiments, while the electronic devicetransitions from the open state (see FIG. 3B) to closed state (see FIG.3A), a point or section of the flex cable 310 can be positioned evenfurther away from the curved surface along a similar direction orvector.

In some embodiments, curvature can refer to an amount by which a point(or a section) of the flex cable deviates from a flat or linear line.For example, while the electronic device transitions from the open stateto closed state, an amount of curvature formed along a furled section ofthe flex cable 310 can increase such that the curvature further deviatesfrom a flat or linear line (as shown in FIG. 3A). Similarly, while theelectronic device transitions from the closed state to the open state,an amount of curvature formed along the furled section of the flex cable310 can decrease (as shown in FIG. 3B).

In some embodiments, an amount by which the flex cable 310 bends can beinversely related with the present angle between the first portion 302and the second portion 304. In some examples, the curved surface ofmandrel 318 can exert a greater amount of a bend (in a single direction)on the flex cable 310 when the first portion 302 is pivoted relative tothe second portion 304 by an angle of less than 90° degrees in contrastto when the angle between the first portion 302 and the second portion304 is pivoted to greater than 90° degrees. In other words, as the anglebetween the first portion 302 and second portion 304 decreases and theelectronic device 300 becomes progressively closer to beingcharacterized as having a closed configuration, the amount of bend in afurled section of the flex cable 310 can increase.

In some embodiments, the first portion 302 and the second portion 304can be pivoted relative to each other according to an angle betweenabout 0° degrees to about 300° degrees.

In some embodiments, a section of the flex cable 310 is mechanicallycaptured by the second portion 304. In some embodiments, a section ofthe flex cable 310 is mechanically captured by the first portion 302.The term mechanically captured can refer to enclosing or containing thesection of the flex cable 310 by at least one of an enclosure, atensioning mechanism, a hook, or a castellation of either the firstportion 302 or the second portion 304.

In some embodiments, when the electronic device transitions from theopen state to the closed state, the furled section of flex cable 310mechanically captured by the second portion 304 can furl even more intoa coiled configuration. In some embodiments, the amount of bend exertedon a section of the flex cable 310 that is mechanically captured by thefirst portion 302 can be independent of the amount of bend exerted on asection of the flex cable 310 that is mechanically captured by thesecond portion 304.

In some embodiments, a section of the flex cable 310 that ismechanically captured by the first portion 302 can be drawn over thecurved surface of mandrel 318. As shown in FIG. 3A, the section of theflex cable 310 that is mechanically captured by the first portion 302can have a generally linear shape. In some embodiments, subsequent tothe electronic device 300 rotating from a closed configuration (see FIG.3A) to an open configuration (see FIG. 3B), the curved surface ofmandrel 318 can exert tension on the flex cable 310 so that an increasedamount of bend or curvature on this section of the flex cable 310 isformed as the flex cable 310 is drawn over the curved surface of mandrel318. The flex cable 310 can be imparted to bend in a single direction sothat the curve or bend of the flex cable 310 corresponds to thecurvature of the curved surface. The curved surface of mandrel 318 has aradius R, defined with respect to a pivot axis 306. In some embodiments,the curved surface of mandrel 318 can prescribe a minimal bend radius ofthe flex cable 310. For example, the mandrel 318 can have a curvedsurface with a radius of 10 millimeters from the pivot axis 306.Accordingly, the curved surface of mandrel 318 can dictate that the flexcable 310 has a minimum bend radius of at least 10 millimeters orgreater while the electronic device 300 is in the open configuration.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a furled section of the flex cable 310 can bemechanically captured by the second portion 304. As the electronicdevice 300 transitions from the closed configuration to the openconfiguration, the amount by which the furled section of the flex cable310 bends within the second portion 304 can decrease such that the flexcable becomes progressively unfurled. In the open configuration, thecurved surface of mandrel 318 and the structural member 314 cancooperate to exert a greater amount of tension on the flex cable 310such that the amount of bend decreases. For example, one side of theflex cable 310 can be exerted against a curved surface of the structuralmember 314 in the open configuration. This is in contrast to the closedconfiguration (see FIG. 3A) having the furled section of the flex cable310 free of contact from the curved surface of the structural member314. In some embodiments, the curved surface of support member 314 canreduce an amount of abrasion exerted against the flex cable 310 when thetwo components come into contact to each other.

Furthermore, FIG. 3B shows that the curved surface design of mandrel 318can promote condensing the flex service loop motion into the cavity 308.Accordingly, the curved surface of mandrel 318 can exert on the flexcable 310 to be condensed into the cavity 308 of the second portion 304while avoiding straining the flex cable 310 or imparting minimal bendingstress on the flex cable 310 as it is looped into the cavity 308.

In some embodiments, the benefits imposed upon by the curved surface ofmandrel 318 on the flex cable 310 can be similarly imposed upon thecover 322, which covers and protects a side of the cable 310 at thehinge region 301.

First end 322 a of cover 322 can be positioned within first portion 302of electronic device 300 and second end 322 b of cover 322 can bepositioned within second portion 304 of electronic device. Since cover322 can be exposed, cover 322 should be made a material that is durableenough to withstand wear and tear that can be accompanied with directexposure to a user. For example, cover 322 may be encounter by objectsinserted or dropped within hinge region 301. Cover 322 should also beflexible enough to bend with cable 310 when electronic device 300transitions between open and closed states. Cover 322 and mandrel 318can be designed to have a particular aesthetic appeal, such as havingthe same or different colors, as described above with reference to FIG.2.

Another consideration in choosing a material for cover 322 is how cover322 moves during the opening and closing of electronic device 300. Forexample, cover 322 can have an inherent rigidity and resilience thatgenerates a resistance force when cover 322 is bent over mandrel 318when electronic device 300 moves from closed (FIG. 3A) to open (FIG. 3B)position. This resistance force can cause cover 322 to return to itsoriginal shape when electronic device 300 is returned to a closed (FIG.3A) position. This way, cover 322 will not crease or buckle at hingeregion 301. That is, if cover 322 is made of a material that is notsufficiently rigid, it could crease or crinkle at hinge region 301.

The rigidity of cover 322 can also at least partially dictate themovement of cable 310. For example, the side of cover 322 that isexposed to a user can be constrained near first end 322 a by retentionrib 307 and near second end 322 b by anchor 309. Retention rib 307 andanchor 309 act as retention features that keep cover 322 from shiftingout of place and keep cover 322 over cable 310 when electronic device300 rotates between closed (FIG. 3A) and open (FIG. 3B) positions. Insome embodiments, anchor 309 is made of a stiff material, such as ametal material (e.g., stainless steel). First end 322 a can be coupledto anchor 309 using, for example, adhesive and/or fastener(s) such asone or more screws. In some embodiments, retention rib 307 includes alow friction material, such as a fluoropolymer material (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon™), that allows cover 322 to slide freelyalong retention rib 307 during opening and closing of electronic device300. That is, second end 322 b can be untethered and free to move withrespect to cable 310 and retention rib 307. Retention rib 307 cancooperate with lip 328 at an inner surface of cavity 308 to retainsecond end 322 b within cavity 308. Lip 328 can be an integrally formedportion of second housing 305, or can be a separate piece that iscoupled to the inner surface of cavity 308.

A common problem with consumer electronic devices is protecting elementswithin housings from user accidents such as liquid spills. Therefore, insome embodiments, seal 326 (shown in FIG. 3B) can be positioned at aninner surface of an opening of the cavity 308. Seal 326 can preventdebris such as dirt, dust and liquids from entering cavity 308. Seal 326can be in contact with or proximate to cover 322. Seal 326 can be madeof a material having a low surface tension to prevent liquids fromentering the cavity 308, as well as low friction such that cover 322 canfreely move against seal 326. Suitable materials for seal 326 caninclude materials such as a fluoropolymer material (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene). In some embodiments, seal 326 may be coupledto the lip 328, while in other embodiments the seal 326 acts as the lip328. In some embodiments the seal 326 is rubber or other suitablematerial with a low friction layer.

The movement of cable 310 with respect to electronic component 312 canalso be important. For example, during rotation of first portion 302with respect to second portion 304, movement of cable 310 at connectionpoint 313 to electronic component 312 should be minimized in order toprevent fatiguing of cable 310. This is because over bending andfatiguing of cable 310 can cause cable 310 to fail, and connection point313 can be especially susceptible to such fatiguing. Thus, isolatingfeatures can be used to isolation portions of cable 310 proximate toconnection point 313. Such isolating features can include support member314, which can support cable 310. In some cases, support member 314 isattached to a board that is part of or proximate to electronic component312. Cable 310 can be routed around support member 314 and clip 316 canbe used to secure cable 310 to support member 314 and isolate the lengthof cable from movement between clip 316 and connection point 313.Support member 314 can have a curved surface that guides the cable 310as cable 310 is drawn out of the cavity 308.

The non-isolated section of cable 310 between clip 316 and retention rib307 may be free to move when first portion 302 is rotated with respectto second portion 304. However, since cable 310 is routed around supportmember 314, cable 310 maintains a concave curvature, which preventscable 310 from bending between concave and convex curvatures, andprevents cable 310 from bending below a prescribed radius, therebyreducing fatiguing of cable 310. This wrapped configuration can allowfor a relatively large length of the cable 310 for uptake duringrotation of electronic device 300 while reducing the stress placed oncable 310. That is, cable 310 can be free to “float” in the cavity 308.Another advantage of this wrapped configuration is that this alsoreduces a distance between retention rib 307 and wall 334 of secondhousing 305 required to house cable 310.

In some embodiments, electronic device 300 has ventilation gap 324suitable for providing air flow in and out of cavity 308 and coolingelectronic component 312 and other components housed within cavity 308.Ventilation gap 324 is positioned near hinge region 301 between firstportion 302 and second portion 304 of electronic device 300. Dependingon cooling requirements, ventilation gap 324 may be large enough toallow access to components within cavity 308, including the cable 310,particularly when electronic device 300 is in a closed position (FIG.3A). Thus, blocking member 320 can be used to restrict access to cavity308. Blocking member 320 can an integral part of second housing 305, ora separate piece that is coupled to second housing 305. In someembodiments, blocking member 320 is coupled to an inner surface withincavity 308 proximate ventilation gap 324. Blocking member 320 may haveprovisions such as holes to allow for further ventilation of cavity 308.As shown, cable 310 can be routed between blocking member 320 andretention rib 307 as cable 310 exits second housing portion 304.

As described above, cover 322 should be made of a sufficiently flexiblematerial to allow bending of cover 322 over cable 310 and mandrel 318during opening of electronic device 300. However, cover 322 should alsobe rigid and resilient enough to provide a resistance force to thebending such that cover 322 returns to its original configuration whenelectronic device 300 is closed again. For example, the section of cover322 between pivot axis 306 and retention rib 307 can return tosubstantially flat when electronic device 300 is returned to a closedstate (FIG. 3A). Cover 322 should also be rigid enough to resistcreasing when opposing forces act laterally on the cover 322. Inaddition, since cover 322 can form an external surface of electronicdevice 300, cover 322 should be resistant to cutting and abrasionforces. In some embodiments, cover 322 is non-electrically conductive toprevent cover 322 from electrically interfering with internal componentsof electronic device 300. In some embodiments, cover 322 is made of asingle sheet of material, such as a composite fiber material. Forexample, cover 322 can be made of a single sheet of glass and/or carbonfiber material embedded within or infused with a polymer, such aspolyurethane. In some embodiments, cover 322 is a laminated sheet thatincludes layers of different materials.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a laminated cover 400, inaccordance with some embodiments. Cover 400 includes abrasion resistantlayer 402 and structural layer 404, which are flanked on opposing sidesby optional outer layers 406 and 408. Layers 402, 404, 406 and 408 canbe directly adjacent each other, or one or more adhesive layers, such asadhesive layers 410, 412 and 414 can be used to couple layers 402, 404,406 and 408 together. Cover 400 can be arranged within an electronicdevice such that outer layer 406 covers an underlying cable and outerlayer 408 is viewable to a user.

Abrasion resistant layer 402 can be configured to resist cutting,puncturing, and gouging forces that may be encountered by cover 400 fromdirect exposure to a user. Abrasion resistant layer 402 may also havesufficient structural rigidity and resilience to create the return forcenecessary to return to an original configuration, as described above. Insome embodiments, abrasion resistant layer 402 includes an abrasionresistant material interweaved within a base material. Interweaving anabrasion resistant material with a base material can reduce the z-heightof the cover 400. In some embodiments, abrasion resistant layer 402includes a para-aramid synthetic fiber such as Kevlar™.

Structural layer 404 can be used to provide an extra rigidity to cover400 in case abrasion resistance layer 402 is not rigid enough.Structural layer 404 can be used in conjunction with abrasion resistantlayer 402 to reduce the z-height of the cover 400. Structural layer 404can be made of any suitable material that imparts structural rigidity tothe cover 400. For example, abrasion resistant material can be glassand/or carbon fiber material embedded within a base polymer materialsuch as polyurethane. In some embodiments, the cover 400 includes of anumber of structurally rigid layers 404.

In some embodiments, the abrasion resistant layer 402 can also besufficiently rigid to impart structural rigidity to the cover 400. Insuch instances, the cover 400 can include only an abrasion resistantlayer 402 that sufficiently provides structural rigidity as a cover 400.In such an instance, both surfaces of the abrasion resistant layer 402functions as an upper and lower layer for the cover 400. In someembodiments, where the abrasion resistant layer 402 is combined withanother layer (e.g., structural layer 404), the abrasion resistant layer402 can function as an outer (upper) layer that corresponds to a visiblepart of the cover 400. In some embodiments, the abrasion resistant layer402 can function as an outer (bottom) layer that corresponds to anon-visible part of cover 400.

In some embodiments, the structural layer 404 can also be made ofabrasion resistant materials, such as glass and/or carbon fiber materialembedded within a base polymer material. In some instances, the cover400 can include only a structural layer 404 that imparts the flex cable(see ref. 310, FIG. 3) with puncture-resistance from foreign particles.In such an instance, both surfaces of the structural layer 404 functionsas an upper and lower layer for the cover 400. In some embodiments,where the structural layer 404 is combined with another layer (e.g.,abrasion resistant layer 402), the structural layer can function as anouter (upper) layer that corresponds to a visible part of the cover 400.In some embodiments, the structural layer 404 can function as an outer(bottom) layer that corresponds to a non-visible part of cover 400.

In some embodiments, the abrasion resistant layer 402 and the structurallayer 404 can be combined into a single layer to form the cover 400. Forexample, the single layer of the cover 400 can be composed of glassand/or carbon fiber material embedded within a base polymer material andincluding an abrasion resistant base material such as a para-aramidsynthetic fiber to reinforce the cover 400.

In some embodiments, cover 400 includes outer layers 406 and 408. Outerlayer 408 can correspond to a visible part of cover 400, and thus can bea cosmetic layer. In some embodiments, outer layer 408 has a color thatmatches or contrasts with a color of a corresponding mandrel surface,imparting an aesthetically pleasing finish to the mandrel/coverassembly. Outer layer 408 can also have a predetermined texture, such asa specific smoothness, roughness, or shininess. Outer layer 406 can beused to seal and protect structural layer 404. Outer layers 406 and 408can be integrally formed with respective structural layer 404 and/or theabrasion resistant layer 402. Alternatively, outer layers 406 and 408can be adhered to the structural layer 404 and/or abrasion resistantlayer 402 with adhesive layers 410 and 414, respectively. Note that insome embodiments cover 400 includes outer layer 406 and not outer layer408; while in other embodiments cover 400 includes outer layer 408 andnot outer layer 406. In particular embodiments, outer layers 406 and 408are made of a polymer material, such as polyurethane.

A tensioning mechanism may be used to replace or supplement a returnforce of a cover. The tension provided by the tensioning mechanism maybe constant or they may vary with movement of the cover. The tensioningmechanism can be used to pull the cover in a particular direction ordirections. Some of these embodiments are shown at FIGS. 5A-5C. Forsimplicity, the cross sectional views of FIGS. 5A-5C do not includecables that are covered by the covers. However, it should be understoodthat such cables can be included, as described above with reference toFIGS. 3A-3B.

FIG. 5A shows a cross sectional view of electronic device 501 with cover502 having an elastic section 504 acting as a tensioning mechanism.Elastic section 504 can be coupled with second housing 516 such thatwhen cover 502 is bent over curved surface 506 of mandrel 508, a returnforce is exerted on cover 502. The return force pulls cover 502 towardcavity 510 when the display housing 507 is rotated from an open to aclosed position.

FIG. 5B shows a cross sectional view of electronic device 503 with cover502 coupled to a spiral torsion spring 512. Spiral torsion spring 512can be coupled to second housing 516 using one or more fasteners oradhesive. Spiral torsion spring 512 can exert a return force on thecover 502 proportional to a distance cover 502 is away from the spiraltorsion spring 512.

FIG. 5C shows a cross sectional view of electronic device 505 with cover502 coupled to coil spring 514. Coil spring 514 can be coupled to secondhousing 516 such that when cover 502 is bent over curved surface 506 ofmandrel 508, a return force is exerted on cover 502, returning cover 502toward cavity 510 when the display housing 507 is rotated from an opento a closed position.

FIG. 5D shows a cross sectional view of electronic device 505 in aclosed position, and where the electronic device 505 includes a cover502 coupled to a leaf spring 518. Leaf spring 518 can be coupled tosecond housing 516 such that when cover 502 is bent over curved surface506 of mandrel 508, a return force is exerted on cover 502, returningcover 502 toward cavity 510 when the display housing 507 is rotated froman open to a closed position.

The leaf spring 518 can refer to a spring structure having asubstantially cantilevered beam as shown in FIG. 5E. FIG. 5E shows aperspective view of the electronic device 505 with cover 502 coupled tothe leaf spring 518 of FIG. 5D. FIG. 5E shows that each end of a cover502 is coupled to the leaf spring 518. The leaf spring 518 can includeleaf spring arms 520 and a fixed point 522. The fixed point 522 can bepositioned at a length that is halfway along the length of the leafspring arms 520. The leaf spring arms 520 can refer to a double leafspring arm. As shown in FIG. 5E, the double leaf spring arm 520 isbalanced by a load on both ends of the arms 520. The double leaf springarm 520 can provide an amount of tension force (TF) on the cover 502 asthe cover 502 is returned towards the cavity 510 when the displayhousing 507 is rotated from an open to a closed position. Contrarily,the leaf spring arms 520 can provide a reactionary force (RF) on theelectronic device 505, which opposes the direction of the tension force(TF). Implementation of a leaf spring tensioning mechanism in theelectronic device can impart more balance in loading on the structure ofthe electronic device. In addition, the leaf spring tensioning mechanismcan impart little to zero moment/rotation loads that would be impartedon the structure of the electronic device.

FIG. 5E shows that the leaf spring arm 520 can include a single linearmetal strip arm that includes two ends. Each end of the arm 520 isattached to an end of a cover 502. In some embodiments, the leaf springarms 520 can include a plurality of strips of linear or slightly curvedmetal strips that are attached or clamped together to form the leafspring arms 520.

The arms of the leaf spring 518 can be manufactured from spring steel,according to some embodiments. Spring steel refers to steel or steelalloys having a high yield strength. When spring steel is subjected totwisting or deflection forces that cause the spring steel to deviatefrom its original shape, the high yield strength imparts the springsteel with the capability to substantially return to its original shape.Accordingly, the spring steel can impart a return force on the cover 502as the cover 502 is returned towards the cavity 510 when the displayhousing 507 is rotated from an open to a closed position. In someexamples, the spring steel can have a yield strength between about 60ksi to about 150 ksi. KSI refers to the ultimate tensile strength of anymaterial. 1 KSI can refer to one thousand pounds per square inch. Insome embodiments, the spring steel can have a high spring constant.

Although FIG. 5E illustrates that the leaf spring arm 520 can have asubstantially linear configuration, in some embodiments, the arms of theleaf spring 518 can have a substantially elliptical configuration.

The tensioning mechanisms of FIGS. 5A-5E can provide a number ofbenefits. For example, the tensioning mechanism can keep cover 502substantially flatly over mandrel 508 so as to provide controlledmovement of cover 502 during pivotal movement of electronic device 501.In addition, the tensioning mechanism can prevent or mitigate jamming ofcover 502 from contamination material (e.g., particles, fluid, etc.)during pivotal movement of electronic device 300. Furthermore, thetensioning mechanism can act as a retention mechanism for cover 502 byretaining cover 502 within the stepped channel that cover 502 traversesproximate to anchor 509. It should be noted that the tensioningmechanism configurations shown in FIGS. 5A-5E are exemplary and anysuitable mechanism or combination of tensioning mechanisms for exertinga return force to cover 502 can be used. For example, one or moreextension spring, torsion spring, constant force spring, metallic springor flexure, elastic material (e.g., woven or monolithic) and/or magneticmechanism can be used.

FIG. 6 shows flowchart 600 indicating a process for protecting a cablerouted between hinged portions of an electronic device, in accordancewith some embodiments. At 602, a cable is routed between a first portionand a second portion through a hinge region of the electronic device.The first portion can correspond to a lid portion having a display andthe second portion can correspond to base portion of a laptop computer.The cable may electrically couple an electronic component within thefirst portion with an electronic component within the second portion.The hinge region can include a mandrel having a curved surface. Thecable can be positioned such that the cable is drawn over a surface ofthe mandrel when the electronic device rotates from a closed state to anopen state. A surface of the cable can be exposed at the hinge region ofthe electronic device when the electronic device is in an open state.The cable can include one or more flex cables.

At 604, the exposed surface of the cable is covered with a cover. Thecover can be positioned over the cable such that the cover is drawn overthe cable and the mandrel when the electronic device is rotated from theclosed state to the open state. The cover can be characterized as havinga flexibility sufficient to bend with the cable over the mandrel whenthe electronic device is rotated from a closed to an open position, anda rigidity sufficient to provide a restoring force that returns thecover to an original configuration when the electronic device is rotatedback to the closed position. The cover can cover a side of the cablethat would otherwise be exposed when the electronic device is in theopen state. In this way, the cover can be visible to a user of theelectronic device and be exposed to external forces such as cutting andabrasive forces. Thus, the cover can also be made of a durable materialthat is resistant to cutting and/or abrasion. In some embodiments, thecover has multiple layers of material in order to accomplish these andother desired functionalities. In some embodiments, the cover includes acosmetic layer that corresponds to a visible portion of the cover andthat has a desired aesthetic characteristic, such as a predeterminedcolor and/or texture.

Mandrel Cover

FIGS. 7-9 show another embodiment of a cover that is designed to concealnot only cables but also portions of the mandrel that would otherwise beexposed to a user. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a hinge portion ofelectronic device 700 having a cover 702 that conceals underlying cables(e.g., flex circuits) and a mandrel from view of a user of electronicdevice 700. Electronic device 700 includes first portion 706 that ispivotally coupled to second portion 708 of electronic device 700. Coverincludes cable-covering section 702 a, which is drawn over underlyingcables, and mandrel-covering section 702 b, which is drawn overremaining portions of the mandrel. That is, mandrel-covering section 702b prevents the mandrel from being exposed when electronic device 700 isin the open state. In this way, cable-covering section 702 a andmandrel-covering section 702 b can cover substantially all portions ofthe underlying mandrel and cables, resulting in a cosmically consistentand appealing appearance. In some embodiments, mandrel-covering section702 b is coupled to and does not move with respect to the mandrel duringthe pivoting opening and closing action of electronic device 700.

FIGS. 8A and 8B shows plan views of cover 702 prior to assembly intoelectronic device 700, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 8Ashows cover 702 prior to application of adhesive 802, and FIG. 8B showscover 702 with adhesive 802 applied thereon. As shown cover 702 caninclude a single piece of material where cable-covering section 702 aextends off of mandrel-covering section 702 b. Mandrel-covering section702 b fully or partially wraps around the mandrel while cable-coveringsection 702 a extends within second portion 708 of electronic device700. Adhesive 802 can be used to adhere mandrel-covering section 702 bto the mandrel. Slits 800 are cut within cover 702 to allowcable-covering section 702 a to freely move with respect tomandrel-covering section 702 b during pivoting movement of first portion706 with respect second portion 708 of electronic device 700.

As described above, cover 702 can be made of a flexible material (orlayers of materials) that is not susceptible to creasing or crinklingduring pivoting of first portion 706 relative to second portion 708 ofelectronic device. In addition, cover 702 can be made of a durableenough material to withstand wear and tear that can be accompanied withdirect exposure to a user of electronic device 700. One of theadvantages of cover 702, including cable-covering section 702 a andmandrel-covering section 702 b, being made of continuous sheet ofmaterial (or layers of material) is to reduce any alignment errors thatcan occur compared to if cable-covering section 702 a and cover 702 weremade of separate pieces of material. In some embodiments, slits 800 arecut using a laser to assure that cable-covering section 702 a remainstightly adjacent to mandrel-covering section 702 b and that any gapformed between cable-covering section 702 a and mandrel-covering section702 b is not visible to a user. In addition, the precision of lasercutting can assure that material of cover 702 does not fray along edgeof slits 800.

Note that FIGS. 8A and 8B show an embodiment where cable-coveringsection 702 a includes two extending portions of material. It should benoted, however, that in other embodiments the cable-covering section 702a can include one extending portion, or more than two extendingportions, as dictated by design requirements. In addition, in otherembodiments, cable-covering section 702 a is completely separated frommandrel-covering section 702 b.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of a portion of electronic device700 in a closed state with cover 702 assembled therein, in accordancewith some embodiments. First portion 706 of electronic device 700 isconfigured to pivot with respect to second portion 708 of electronicdevice 700 about pivot axis 902 of hinge region 904. Cover 702 ispositioned over and hides cable 910, which enters into cavity 901 ofsecond portion 708. The cable 910 can provide electrical communicationbetween first portion 706 and second portion 708. Cable-covering section702 a of cover 702 covers cable 910, while mandrel-covering section 702b (dashed line) covers mandrel 908 such that mandrel 908 is not visibleto a user of electronic device 700 when in an open position.Mandrel-covering section 702 b can be coupled to mandrel 908 using, forexample, adhesive 802.

Tensioning Mechanism for Flex Cable Cover

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5A-5E, a tensioningmechanism, such as a spring, can exert a return force to a cover tocontrol movement of the cover when a display housing is rotated from anopen to a closed position. In some embodiments, the spring can becombined with a shaft forming tensioning mechanism 1004. FIG. 10 shows across sectional view of electronic device 1001 having a cover 1002engaged with rotating tensioning mechanism 1004. Tensioning mechanism1004 can include a cylindrical shaft coupled to a retraction spring. Thecylindrical shaft can be located perpendicular to cover 1002 such thatcover 1002 can be drawn over an outer surface of the cylindrical shaft.The retraction spring can be designed to exert a rotational torque onthe shaft, drawing cover 1002 over the surface of the cylindrical shaftand providing tension in cover 1002. In some embodiments, the retractionspring can be a constant force spring, exerting a substantially constantrotational force on the cylindrical shaft, and thus cover 1002. Thespring can be a coil spring, or a pre-stressed flat strip of springmaterial which is formed into virtually constant radius coils arounditself or on a drum. As display housing 1010 is rotated from an open toa closed position, tensioning mechanism 1004 can draw cover 1002 over acurved outer surface of tensioning mechanism 1004, allowing for acompact and isolated tensioning mechanism 1004.

Cover 1002 can be coupled to tensioning mechanism 1004 by engagementfeature 1014 located at an end of cover 1002. Engagement feature 1014can be recessed into tensioning mechanism 1004 such that cover 1002 canbe drawn fully around the outer surface of tensioning mechanism 1004. Insome embodiments, engagement feature 1014 can include an expandedsection of cover 1002. The expanded section of cover 1002 can retaincover 1002 within a slot in tensioning mechanism 1004.

Tensioning Mechanism Assembly

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate perspective views of an electronic device 1100having a tensioning mechanism assembly 1120. FIG. 11A shows thetensioning mechanism assembly 1120 can be mechanically coupled to an endof the cover 1102. The cover 1102 can be drawn over a curved surface1106 of the mandrel 1108. The tensioning mechanism assembly 1120 caninclude a frame 1124, a shaft 1128, a spring 1130, and large diameterbushings 1126. The large diameter bushings 1126 can capture the shaft1128 and spring 1130 in a position within the frame 1124.

In some embodiments, the spring 1130 can refer to a coil spring, or apre-stressed flat strip of spring material which is formed intovirtually constant radius coils around itself or on a drum. In someembodiments, the spring 1130 can refer to two independently joinedspring coils that are coupled to each other at their respective ends.One example of a coil spring which can be implemented as spring 1130within the tensioning mechanism assembly 1120 is a spiral torsion spring512 (see FIG. 5B).

FIG. 11B shows a perspective view of the individual components (e.g.,1124, 1126, 1128, 1130, 1132) of the tensioning mechanism assembly 1120prior to being assembled. FIG. 11B shows the tensioning mechanismassembly 1120 can be mechanically coupled to an end of the cover 1102.The cover 1102 can be drawn over a curved surface 1106 of the mandrel1108. FIG. 11B shows that the tensioning mechanism assembly 1120 caninclude a frame 1124 having c-cutouts 1132. The c-cutouts 1132 can bemachined from the frame 1124. The tensioning mechanism assembly 1120 canfurther include a spring 1130 and a shaft 1128. Furthermore, thetensioning mechanism assembly 1120 can include large diameter bushings1126. The shaft 1128 can have a small diameter (or shape and size) whichis sufficient to be fitted within the dimensions of the openings of thec-cutout 1132. Once the shaft 1128 is fitted within the openings of thec-cutout 1132, the shaft 1128 can be capped off and secured with a largediameter bushing 1126. Accordingly, FIG. 11B illustrates that thecomponents of the tensioning mechanism assembly 1120 can be assembledoutside of the cavity of the electronic device. Thereafter, thetensioning mechanism assembly 1120 can be installed into a cavity (seeref. 510, FIG. 5) of the electronic device 1100. The large diameterbushings 1126 can capture (or lock) in place the shaft 1128 and spring1130 within the c-cutouts 1132 of the frame 1124. Accordingly, the shaft1128 also becomes captured (or locked) into position. In someembodiments, the large diameter bushings 1126 can be captured in placeof the shaft 1128 by using spring edges, snaps, light interference fits,or other retaining features.

By using a structural frame 1124 to include the various components ofthe tensioning mechanism assembly 1120, the tensioning mechanismassembly 1120 can be assembled independently of the electronic device.At least one or more of the various components (e.g., 1124, 1126, 1128,1130, 1132) of the tensioning mechanism assembly 1120) can be small andcomplex such that assembling in an assembly can permit testing of thetensioning mechanism assembly 1120 prior to being fitted within theelectronic device 1100. In this manner, any defects or complicationsregarding the tensioning mechanism assembly 1120 can be detected in anisolated environment.

FIG. 11C illustrates a cross sectional view of the tensioning mechanismassembly 1120. FIG. 11C illustrates that once the various components(e.g., 1124, 1126, 1128, 1130, 1132) of the tensioning mechanismassembly 1120 are assembled, the large diameter bushings 1126 can becaptured within the frame 1124 such that the large diameter bushings1126 cannot move outside of the structure of the electronic device 1100.

FIG. 11D illustrates a perspective view of tensioning mechanism assembly1120 having a torsion spring tensioner implementation 1130, according tosome embodiments. The torsion spring tensioner implementation 1130 canrefer to a double torsion spring. In conventional techniques, twoindividual springs, which are not connected, can rotate perpendicular totheir coil axis as they are loaded. However, such a configuration caninduce inner shaft rubbing and induce stress on the individual springs.FIG. 11D illustrates that the double torsion spring refers to twooppositely wound springs 1140, 1150 can be coupled to each other. Byconnecting an end of spring 1140 to an end of spring 1150, the springmechanism becomes more balanced and more stable by minimizing oreliminating stress on the individual springs and inner shaft rubbing.

Tensioning Mechanism for Flex Cable Cover

FIGS. 12A thru 12C show perspective views of exemplary retainingfeatures of a cover. FIG. 12A shows cover 1201 having retaining feature1202 that is configured to engage with tensioning mechanism 1204. Theretaining feature 1202 includes a portion having a sufficient thickness“t” such that retaining feature 1202 cannot be pulled through slot 1206of tensioning mechanism 1204. In some embodiments, cover 1201, prior tothe formation of retaining feature 1202, is passed through slot 1206 intensioning mechanism 1204. Retaining feature 1202 having a thickness “t”is formed on a portion of cover 1201 such that cover 1201 cannot beretracted from slot 1206. Cover 1201, and retaining feature 1202 can bepulled back into slot 1206, engaging retaining feature 1202 and slot1206.

Retaining feature 1202 can include first section 1210 folded over andsecured to remaining section 1212 of cover 1201 forming a hem. Theincreased thickness “t” created of the hem prevents cover 1201 fromdisengaging from slot 1206 in tensioning mechanism 1204. In someembodiments, first section 1210 can be secured to remaining section 1212using adhesive. The adhesive can be a heat activated adhesive that islocated between the stacked layers of cover material forming the hem, orretaining feature 1202. The heat activated adhesive can be placed on thecover material and heat can be applied to the folded over section duringassembly of the cover. In some embodiments, first section 1210 issecured to remaining section 1212 through stitches 1214 sewn through thestacked layers of cover material that form retaining feature 1202.Stitches 1214 can provide increased shear strength over adhesive,particularly when surface area available for adhesive is minimal. Infurther embodiments, both stitches 1214 and an adhesive can be used tosecure the layers of cover material.

Additionally, slot 1206 can include a wedged area 1217 that produces acompressive force on retaining feature 1202 when cover 1201 is pulledback through slot 1206. This compressive force can increase shearstrength between adhered layers of cover material, decreasing alikelihood of retaining feature 1202 from separating. The width of slot1206 can be chosen to allow cover 1201, without retaining feature 1202,to pass through slot 1206. In some embodiments, the width of slot 1206can be larger than the thickness of cover 1201. Thickness “t” ofretaining feature 1202 can be chosen such that retaining feature 1202cannot pass through slot 1206. The desired thickness “t” of retainingfeature 1202 can be chosen to prevent retaining feature 1202 frompassing through slot 1206, while allowing retaining feature 1202 to sitrecessed in wedge 1216.

FIG. 12B shows cover 1203 having multiple folded sections of covermaterial that increase thickness “t” of retaining feature 1218. Althoughtwo folds are shown, any number of folds can be used to achieve adesired thickness “t” of retaining feature 1218. The increased thicknessprovided by multiple folded sections can decrease creep, or slippage ofretaining feature 1218 within a slot in the tensioning mechanism. Foldedlayers can be secured using stitching or adhesive, or a combination ofthe two.

FIG. 12C shows cover 1205 having a retaining feature 1220, according tosome embodiments. Retaining feature 1220 can include a removableenlarging element 1222, such as a pin. Pin 1222 can placed during anassembly process of cover 1205 to set the location of retaining feature1220 relative to a reference datum, such as an opposing mountinglocation of cover 1205. A hem can be formed around pin 1222, formingretaining feature 1220. The hem can be secured using adhesive, stitchingor any similar securing method. The use of a removable enlarging element1222 allows retaining feature 1220 to be formed in a distinct andseparate process from the assembly of cover 1205 and the tensioningmechanism.

Pin 1222 can be removed during assembly of cover 1205 to a tensioningmechanism. A slot in the tensioning mechanism can be sized to allowretaining feature 1220 without pin 1222 to pass through. Pin 1222 canthen be installed in retaining feature 1220, expanding retaining feature1220 such that retaining feature 1220 cannot pass back through the slot,thus locking retaining feature 1220 to the tensioning mechanism.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of an exemplary anchor 1302 used tosecure cover 1304 opposite a tensioning mechanism. Anchor 1302 cansecure cover 1304 to a lid portion of an electronic device, and providean anchor for a tensioning mechanism located on an opposing side ofcover 1304. Cover 1304 can be secured to anchor 1302 through adhesive,hooks, castellations or other mechanical interlocks. In someembodiments, anchor 1302 includes hooks 1306. Hooks 1306 can be arrangedon anchor 1302 such that hooks 1306 protrude through slits 1308 in cover1304, thus forming a mechanical interlock between cover 1304 to anchor1302. Adhesive can be used in combination with hooks 1306 and locatedwhere cover 1304 contacts the surface of anchor 1302. Wrapping cover1304 around anchor 1302 can increase a surface area available foradhesive to couple cover 1304 to anchor 1302. When using a high tensilestrength material for cover 1304, the mechanical interlock between cover1304 and anchor 1302 can provide sufficient strength to prevent cover1304 from creeping, or slipping after installation. In some embodiments,the geometry of hooks 1306 can be chosen to resist bending under tensionand balance ease of cover 1304 installation with resistance of cover1304 to pull off of hooks 1306. Hooks 1306 can include slits 1308,forming castellations. Castellations can capture cover 1304 duringinstallation, resisting cover 1304 from pulling off hooks 1306. A hookratio, defined as the relationship between the neck 1310 of hook 1306and width 1313 of hook 1306 can be chosen to balance the bendingstrength of hooks 1306 with ease of fabric installation and resistanceof cover to pull off hooks 1306. Additionally, the height ofcastellation, or fabric thickness opening of castellations, can bechosen to accommodate variations in cover 1304 thickness.

Foreign Particle Handling Components of the Mandrel

FIGS. 14-17 refer to foreign particle handling components of the hingedelectronic device, according to various embodiments.

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, a hinged electronicdevice can rotate from an open to a closed position. FIGS. 14A-14B showa cross sectional view of a hinged electronic device 1400 and analternative cross sectional view of a portion of the mandrel of thehinged electronic device 1400, respectively, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14A shows the hinged electronic device 1400 in a closedconfiguration. The hinged electronic device includes a first portion1402 and a second portion 1404. A cable 1410 can take on a curved shapein accordance with the curved surface of a mandrel 1418 when theelectronic device 1400 is rotated from an open configuration to a closedconfiguration. The cable 1410 can provide electrical connection betweenan electrical component 1411 of first portion 1402 and an electroniccomponent 1412 of second portion 1404.

When electronic device 1400 is in an open configuration (as shown inFIG. 3B), foreign particles 1442 can become deposited between a bottomsurface of the cover 1422 and a surface 1420 of a mandrel 1418 such thatthe particles 1442 become trapped or lodged. In some examples, theparticles 1442 can become deposited between the cable 1410 and the uppersurface of the mandrel 1418. In some examples, foreign particles 1442can be introduced by way of a ventilation gap 1424 or crevices of thehinged electronic device 1400. Examples of particles 1442 can includesand, sugar, salts, debris, and other similar particles encounteredduring normal use of electronic device 1400. In some cases, particles1442 have hard and sharp surfaces, and are generally not verydeformable. In some cases, the particles 1442 can range in size betweenabout 10 micrometers to about 1 millimeter in size. Having particles1442 deposited between the cover 1422 and the cable 1410 and/or themandrel 1418 can be undesirable in that the particles 1442 can damagecause damage to the hinged electronic device 1400 by piercing or gougingthrough the cover 1422 and the cable 1410. In some examples, when thehinged electronic device transitions from the closed configuration tothe open configuration, the cable 1410 or cover 1422 can becometensioned as it wraps around the surface of the mandrel 1418.Accordingly, the hard and sharp surfaces of the particles 1442 which arelodged between the cover 1422 and the cable 1410 and/or mandrel 1418surface will rub against these components causing premature failure andfraying of the cover 1422 and/or cable 1410. In addition, in someexamples, frequent and repeated rotation between the first portion 1402and the second portion 1404 of the hinged electronic device can furtherexacerbate the damage to the cover 1422 and the cable 1410 when theparticles 1442 protrude against these components.

To address handling foreign particles 1442, FIG. 14B shows that theelectronic device 1400 includes a mandrel 1418 that can include achannel or pathway or trough 1440 positioned along the outer surface1420 of the mandrel 1418 (referring to FIG. 14B), according to someembodiments. The openings or inlets 1436 of the channels 1440 can belarge enough to accommodate various sizes of different particles. Insome examples, the average width of the inlets 1436 can be about 2 mm inwidth. In other examples, the average width of the inlets 1436 can bebetween 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters. In other examples, average widthof the inlets 1436 can be between about 2 millimeters to about 3millimeters.

In some embodiments, the surface 1420 of the mandrel 1418 can include ananti-static electricity coating or agent. The antistatic agent canreduce or eliminate buildup of static electricity on the mandrel 1418.By applying an antistatic agent on the surface 1420 of the mandrel 1418,can also facilitate a reduction in dust or dirt particles along thesurface 1420.

A distance between an exterior surface of the hinged electronic device1400 and the ventilation gap 1424 is represented by a distance “d” whichspans a dimensional value of the mandrel 1418.

FIG. 14B shows an alternate cross sectional view of the mandrel 1418adjacent to the cable 1410 and a flex cover 1422, according to someembodiments. As shown in FIG. 14B, the cable 1410 is drawn against aportion of the outer surface 1420 of the mandrel. Portions of the outersurface 1420 can be cut away to provide inlets 1436 for the channels1440. In some embodiments, a lower surface of the cable 1410 does notobscure or block the inlets 1436 of the channels 1440. Accordingly,particles 1442 can more readily pass through the inlets 1436. In otherembodiments, the particles 1442 can be forced into inlets 1436 bymovement or a rubbing motion of the cable 1410 against the surface 1420.In some examples, when a particle 1442 is lodged between the cable 1410and the outer surface 1420 of the mandrel 1418, a repeated rubbingmotion between the cable 1410 and the mandrel 1418 can push or nudge theparticle 1442 along the surface 1420 of the mandrel 1418 towards theinlets 1436. Accordingly, repeatedly transitioning the hinged electronicdevice between an open configuration and a closed configuration canfacilitate in driving the particle 1442 towards an inlet 1436. In someembodiments, driving the particle 1442 towards the inlet 1436 can beintentional movement. In other embodiments, the driving mechanism can berandom. Thereafter, the particles 1442 can pass through the pathways1440 via gravity.

As shown in FIG. 14B, a gap “G” (or division) can separate theunderlying surface of the cable 1410 and the outer surface 1420 of themandrel 1418, according to some embodiments. The gap “G” can besufficiently small such that particles 1442 are unable to be lodgedbetween the cable 1410 and the outer surface 1420, but the gap “G” canalso be large enough to prevent the cable 1410 from abrading or rubbingagainst the surface 1420 of the mandrel 1418. In some embodiments, thegap “G” between the cable 1410 and the outer surface 1420 of the mandrel1418 can widen depending on the amount of slack or amount of tension inthe cable 1410 while the hinged electronic device 1400 transitionsbetween the open configuration and the closed configuration. In someembodiments, as the hinged electronic device 1400 is orientedprogressively towards the open configuration, the gap “G” between thecable 1410 and the outer surface 1420 of the mandrel 1418 canprogressively decrease due to the increased amount of tension in thecable 1410.

As shown in FIG. 14B, the channels 1440 are uniformly spaced apart alongthe surface 1420, according to some embodiments. In other embodiments,the channels 1440 can be spaced irregularly or in a non-uniform fashionalong the surface 1420. Once particles are captured by the channels1440, the particles 1442 can pass from the inlets 1436 and along thelength of the channels 1440 until reaching an outlet 1426, which ispositioned on another portion of the surface 1420. In some embodiments,the outlets 1426 may be positioned adjacent to the ventilation gap 1424such that particles 1442 can fall through the ventilation gap 1424. Inother embodiments, the particles 1442 can be aided by a fan on board thedevice or an air compressor to funnel particles 1442 through thechannels 1440 of the mandrel 1418. That is, channels 1440 can beconnected to a forced air source such that particles 1442 are flushedout of channels 1440 via outlets 1426.

FIGS. 15A-15B illustrate another embodiment of a component for handlingforeign particles deposited in a hinged electronic device 1500. FIGS.15A-15B show a perspective view and a cross sectional view of a hingedelectronic device 1500, respectively, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 15A illustrates the hinged electronic device 1500 in aclosed configuration. The hinged electronic device 1500 can include afirst portion 1502 and a second portion 1504. The hinged electronicdevice 1500 can include a cable 1510 that can provide electricalcommunication between the first portion 1502 and the second portion1504. As shown in FIG. 15A, when the electronic device is in the closedconfiguration, the cable 1510 can be drawn over a curved surface of amandrel 1518 to keep the cable 1510 from bucking or folding. Thus, aportion of the cable 1510 can take on a curved shape in accordance withthe curved surface of the mandrel 1518. The mandrel 1518 can bepositioned adjacent to a ventilation gap 1524.

The mandrel 1518 can be manufactured from a soft material having a highdegree of compression and having a rebounding force, according to someembodiments. When the mandrel 1518 is exposed to stress or strainenergy, the material of the mandrel 1518 is capable of substantiallyreturning to its original shape or geometry when the source of thestress is removed. The composition of the mandrel 1518 can prevent theparticle from contacting the cable 1510 and cause damage or prematurefailure to the cable 1510. The soft mandrel 1518 can distribute thecompression forces or pressure of the particle 1542 applied against themandrel 1518 evenly. In some embodiments, the material of the mandrel1518 can exhibit a high degree of compression force when a particle 1542is pressed against the surface 1520 of the mandrel 1518. In someexamples, a particle 1542 can become lodged or trapped between an outersurface 1520 of the mandrel 1518 and an underlying surface of the cable1510. As the particle 1542 is pressed or nudged against the surface 1520of the mandrel 1518, the surface of the particle 1542 becomessubstantially more flush with the surface 1520 of the mandrel 1518 suchthat a substantially minimal portion or no portion of the particle 1542protrudes relative to the surface 1520 of the mandrel 1518. Accordingly,as the cable 1510 is drawn over the curved outer surface 1520 of themandrel 1518, the lodged particle is compressed against the outersurface 1520 of the mandrel 1518 such that the lodged particle 1542 nolonger protrudes or pierces against the underlying surface of the cable1510.

In some examples, the soft material of the mandrel 1518 can have a ShoreA scale of 20 for rubber hardness. The Shore A scale is one measure of amaterial's hardness or resistance to permanent indentation. A durometercan be used to measure Shore hardness. In one example, a durometer canmeasure the depth of an indentation in a material created by a givenamount of force or pressure applied against the material. Generally, theShore A scale can range between 0 to 100, where a Shore A value of 0indicates that the material can be described generally as extra soft. Incontrast, a Shore A value of 100 indicates that the material can bedescribed generally as extra hard. By way of example, the material ofthe mandrel 1518 can be comprised to of one or more elastomer-likecompounds, including silicone rubber, polyurethane, ethlyene propylenerubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and the like. According to someembodiments, the mandrel can be compression molded.

When the source of the pressure (e.g., particle 1542) applied againstthe mandrel 1518 is removed, the mandrel 1518 can be capable of“bouncing back” or “pushing back” against the pressure applied by the sothat over time, the mandrel will return to substantially its originalmolded shape and/or form. In other embodiments, the mandrel 1518 can bemade of a material which can progressively push the particle 1542 outand towards the ventilation gap 1524.

FIG. 15B shows a cross sectional view of the mandrel 1518 according tosome embodiments. FIG. 15B illustrates a particle 1542 deposited alongthe outer surface 1520 of the mandrel 1518. As the particle is pushedagainst the outer surface 1520 of the mandrel 1518, the mandrel 1518 canbe compressed. As shown in FIG. 15B, the particles 1542 can be depositedalong substantially across any portion of the outer surface 1520 of themandrel 1518. The material of the mandrel 1518 can distribute theforce/pressure applied by the particle 1542 in an equal amount acrossthe surface of the mandrel 1518. As shown in FIG. 15B, a gap “G” canseparate the underlying surface of the cable 1510 and the outer surface1520 of the mandrel 1518, according to some embodiments. The gap “G” canbe sufficiently small such that particles 1542 are unable to be lodgedbetween the cable 1510 and the outer surface 1520, in some embodiments.In other embodiments, the gap “G” between the cable 1510 and the outersurface 1520 can accommodate a particle 1542. As the hinged electronicdevice 1500 transitions from a closed configuration to an openconfiguration, the cable 1510 can progressively wrap around the curvedsurface of the mandrel 1518. As the hinged electronic device 1500 isoriented progressively towards the open configuration, the gap “G”between the cable 1510 and the outer surface 1520 of the mandrel 1518can progressively decrease due to the increased amount of tension in thecable 1510. As the gap “G” decreases, any foreign particles 1542 lodgedin the gap “G” can be driven or nudged by the cable 1510 against thesurface 1520 of the mandrel 1518. The particle 1542 can becomecompressed within the outer surface 1520 and surrounded by the materialof the soft mandrel 1518. Accordingly, any repeated rubbing between theunderlying surface of the cable 1510 and the mandrel 1518 will not causethe particle to pierce or gouge against the cable 1510. After a periodof time, the soft material of the mandrel can “bounce back” or push theparticle 1542 out such that the outer surface 1520 of the mandrel 1518can resume its original molded shape, according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate another embodiment of a component for handlingparticles deposited in a hinged electronic device 1600. FIGS. 16A-16Bshow a perspective view and a cross sectional view of a hingedelectronic device 1600, respectively, in accordance with someembodiments. FIG. 16A shows the hinged electronic device 1600 in aclosed configuration. The electronic device 1600 includes a cable 1610,which provides electrical communication between the first portion 1602and the second portion 1604. For example, the cable 1610 can provideelectrical connection between electronic component 1611 of first portion1602 and electronic component 1612 of the second portion 1604. The cable1610 can be any suitable type of cable, including a cable, a flexibleprinted circuit board, or any suitable mechanism for transmitting anelectrical signal between the portions 1602 and 1604. The cable 1610 canbe bonded to a woven laminate layer 1660 so as to form a one-piececonstruction. In some embodiments, the upper surface of the wovenlaminate layer 1660 can be bonded to the underlying surface of the cable1610 along select portions of the cable 1610 such that both the wovenlaminate layer 1660 and the cable 1610 move in parallel. In someexamples, the parallel movement is demonstrated as the hinged electronicdevice 1600 is rotated about a hinge 1606 from a closed configuration toan open configuration such that the woven laminate layer 1660 can movein parallel with the cable 1610. In some embodiments, the woven laminatelayer 1660 can extend the length of the cable such that the wovenlaminate layer 1660 is also tethered to a retention rib 1607 of thesecond portion 1604 and an anchor 1609 of the first portion 1602. Inother embodiments, the woven laminate layer 1660 can be bonded to only aportion of the cable 1610 that can be likely to contact the mandrel 1618(i.e., along the curved surface of the mandrel).

The dimensions of the woven laminate layer 1660 bonded to the cable 1610can mirror the dimensions of the cable 1610, according to someembodiments. In some examples, the width and length of the wovenlaminate layer 1660 are sufficiently wide and long enough to provide aphysical barrier for the entire underlying surface of the cable 1610.The woven laminate layer 1660 can be drawn over the mandrel 1618 andbend as a result when the hinged electronic device 1600 is provided inan open configuration. In some embodiments, bonding the woven laminatelayer 1660 to the cable 1610 so as to form a one-piece configuration canimpart increased rigidity and resistance to fraying to the cable 1610.

The woven laminate layer 1660 can have an inherent rigidity andresilience that generates resistance force when the woven laminate layer1660 is bent over the mandrel 1618 when the electronic device 1600 ismoved from a closed configuration to an open configuration. In someembodiments, as the woven laminate layer 1660 is bonded or coupled tothe cable 1610, the woven laminate layer 1660 is also prevented frombuckling or folding under tension during e.g., transitioning from theclosed configuration to the open configuration.

The woven laminate layer 1660 can be constrained near the first end 1650a by a connection point 1613 to the electronic component 1612 andconstrained near the second end 1650 b by an anchor 1609. The connectionpoint 1613 and the anchor 1609 act as retention features that keep thewoven laminate layer 1660 from shifting out of place and keep the wovenlaminate layer in a fixed orientation relative to the cable 1610 whenthe electronic device 1600 rotates between closed configuration and openconfiguration. The second end 1650 b can be coupled to an anchor 1609using, for example, adhesive and/or fastener(s) such as one or morescrews. In some embodiments, the anchor 1609 can be fabricated from alow friction material, such as a fluoropolymer material (e.g.,polytetrafluoroethylene, Teflon®), that allows the woven laminate layer1660 to slide freely along the anchor 1609 during the opening andclosing of the electronic device 1600. The movement of the wovenlaminate layer 1660 with respect to the electronic component 1612 canalso be important with respect to a design consideration. For example,during rotation of the first portion 1602 with respect to the secondportion 1604, the movement of the woven laminate layer 1660 where thefirst end 1650 a and the second end 1650 b are coupled to the anchor1609 and connection point 1613 can be minimized in order to preventfatiguing of the woven laminate layer 1660.

The woven laminate layer 1660 should be abrasion resistant to be durableenough to withstand wear and tear that can be accompanied through directexposure to the surface of the mandrel, external particles, or any othercomponents of the electronic device that may come into contact with thewoven laminate layer 1660. The woven laminate layer 1660 can bemanufactured from a material which is substantially puncture-proof orsubstantially tear-proof. In some examples, the woven laminate layer1660 can be composed of materials such as polytetrafluorethylene,Teflon®, glass, fiberglass, amide fibers, para-aramid synthetic fibers(Kevlar®), carbon fiber, ripstop woven nylon, polyurethane infusedfiberglass, polyurethane infused aramid fibers, ripstop woven polyester,ripstop polypropylene, ripstop cotton, ripstop silk, and the like. Insome embodiments, the woven laminate layer 1660 can be made from anon-electrically conductive material (or coated with a non-electricallyconductive coating) such as to prevent the woven laminate layer 1660from electrically interfering with internal components of the electronicdevice 1600.

In some examples, the woven laminate layer 1660 can be about 12micrometers thick. In other examples, the woven laminate layer can bebetween about 2 micrometers to about 20 micrometers thick. In otherexamples, the woven laminate layer can be between about 5 micrometers toabout 15 micrometers thick. To a certain extent, the thickness of thewoven laminate layer is limited. For example, if the woven laminatelayer 1660 is too thick relative to the cable 1610, it can stress copperwires of the cable 1610. Furthermore, making the woven laminate layer1660 too thick relative to the thickness of the cable 1610 can affectthe neutral axis of the cable 1610.

In some embodiments, a non-isolated section of the woven laminate layer1660 between the retention rib 1607 and the connection point 1613 may befree to move when the first portion 1602 is rotated with respect to thesecond portion 1604. In some embodiments, since the woven laminate layer1660 is routed around a support member 1614, the woven laminate layer1660 can maintain a concave curvature, which prevents the woven laminatelayer 1660 from bending between concave and convex curvatures, andprevents the woven laminate layer 1660 from bending below a prescribedradius, so as to reduce fatiguing of the woven laminate layer 1660. Thiswrapped configuration can allow for a relatively large length of thewoven laminate layer 1660 for uptake during rotation of the electronicdevice 1600 while reducing the stress placed on the woven laminate layer1660. That is, the woven laminate layer 1660 can be free to “float”within the cavity 1608. In addition, a clip 1616 can be provided to addsupport to the woven laminate layer 1660 and flex cable 1610.

FIG. 16B shows a cross sectional view of the woven laminate layer 1660coupled (e.g., adhesively bonded) to the underlying surface of the cable1610, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 16B, the thicknessof the woven laminate layer 1660 can be adjusted such that the wovenlaminate layer 1660 does not scrape or touch against the outer surface1620 of the mandrel 1618, according to some embodiments. FIG. 16B showsa gap “G” between the underlying surface of the woven laminate layer1660 and the outer surface 1620 of the mandrel 1618. In someembodiments, the gap “G” between the underlying surface of the wovenlaminate layer 1660 and the outer surface 1620 of the mandrel 1618 canbe adjusted such that particles cannot be wedged or trapped against theouter surface 1620 of the mandrel 1618. However, in such embodiments, aminimal gap “G” can cause the woven laminate layer 1660 to abradeagainst the surface of the mandrel 1618. In other embodiments, the gap“G” can be sufficiently large enough to allow for particles 1642 to fitbetween the woven laminate layer 1660 and outer surface 1620 of themandrel 1618. Although the particles 1642 can have sharp and hardsurfaces or edges, the woven laminate layer 1660 can act as an obstacleto prevent the particle from gouging through the cable 1610.

FIG. 17 illustrates another embodiment of a component for handlingparticles deposited in a hinged electronic device 1700. FIG. 17 shows ahinged electronic device 1700 having a barrier 1760, in accordance withsome embodiments. FIG. 17 shows a hinged electronic device 1700 in aclosed configuration, where the barrier 1760 is positioned in place ofthe ventilation gap (see ref 324, FIG. 3) As shown in FIG. 17, thebarrier 1760 can be in contact with the mandrel 1718 and the blockingmember 1720. In some embodiments, a surface of the barrier 1760 may bepositioned to be aligned flush against the surface of the mandrel 1718and the blocking member 1720 such that there are no gaps between thebarrier 1760 and either of the mandrel 1718 or blocking member 1720.

Although FIG. 17 shows the barrier 1760 is positioned in place of theventilation gap 1724, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, thebarrier 1760 can also be positioned in other regions of the hingedelectronic device 1700 where gaps exist between different components,according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the barrier 1760can supplement the ventilation gap 1724. In other embodiments, aplurality of barriers 1760 can be positioned throughout the hingedelectronic device 1700.

The barrier 1760 can act as a physical barrier to prevent or reducedforeign particles 1742 from coming into contact with the cable 1710,according to some embodiments. In other embodiments, the barrier 1760can act as a physical barrier to prevent or reduce foreign particlesfrom entering the cavity 1708. In some embodiments, the barrier 1760 canfill the space between the mandrel 1718 and the blocking member 1720 toprevent or reduce any particles, debris, liquids from entering theinternal housing of the hinged electronic device 1700.

In some embodiments, the barrier 1760 can work in conjunction with anon-board fan or air compressor device to facilitate in funneling theparticle 1742 through the opening 1726 of the barrier 1760.

In some embodiments, one or more pathways can be molded within thebarrier 1760. In some embodiments, the pathway can be a “one-way”pathway such as to permit foreign particles 1742 to migrate from insideof the hinged electronic device 1700 to the outside, while alsopreventing foreign particles from entering the hinged electronic device1700 via the barrier 1760. In some embodiments, the barrier 1760 can bein the form of a gasket that can provide a seal between blocking member1720 and mandrel 1718 and be designed to prevent both foreign particles1742 from migrating in and/or out of the cavity 1708 via the opening1726. The barrier 1760 can be made of any suitable material. Forexample, barrier 1760 can be made of an elastomer material, such as apolymer material. In some embodiments, the gasket is combined with anelastomer material and foam, bristles, brush and/or felt. For example,barrier 1760 can be in the form of an elastomer gasket with a distal endhaving foam, bristles, brush or felt. In some embodiments, barrier 1760is made of material having a low surface tension to repel and preventliquids from entering the cavity 1708. The low friction material canalso allow barrier 1760 to move freely against the mandrel 1718. In someembodiments, the barrier 1760 can include an anti-static electricitycoating or agent. The antistatic agent can reduce or eliminate buildupof static electricity on the mandrel 1718 and/or cable 1710. By applyingan antistatic agent on at least one of the inner pathway, inner surface,or opening 1726 of the barrier 1760, there can be a reduction in dust ordirt particles along those various surfaces.

In some embodiments, barrier 1760 is fixed in position between themandrel 1718 and the blocking member 1720. This can prevent barrier 1760from moving when the hinged electronic device 1700 is transitionedbetween the closed configuration and the open configuration.

Although FIGS. 14-17 illustrate hinged electronic devices according tovarious embodiments, two or more of these different embodimentsillustrated can be combined into a single hinged electronic devicehousing design. For example, the physical barrier of the embodimentshown in FIG. 17 can be combined with the flex woven laminate layer ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 16 to provide an increased measure ofpreventing damage to the components. In another example, the flex wovenlaminate layer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 can be combined withthe soft mandrel of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15. In another example,the flex woven laminate layer of the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 can becombined with the mandrel including channels of the embodiment shown inFIG. 14. Combining the different embodiments shown in FIGS. 14-17 canprovide an advantage of increasing the level of protection of the flexcable from being damaged by foreign particles relative to using only asingle embodiment disclosed. In addition, any suitable combination ofthe various embodiments provided in FIGS. 14-17 can be combined with anyof the other embodiments disclosed in other portions of thisdescription, as suitable.

Over-Molded Anchor

As discussed above with reference to FIG. 13, a hinged electronic devicecan include an anchor for retaining a flex cover. FIGS. 18A-18B show aperspective view and a cross sectional view of an exemplary anchor 1800for securing cover (see ref. 1304, FIG. 13) opposite a tensioningmechanism, according to some embodiments. The anchor 1800 can secure thecover to a lid portion of an electronic device by anchoring the cover toa tensioning mechanism located on an opposing side of the cover. FIG. 18shows that the anchor 1800 can include two anchor portions (1880, 1882)which are each of approximately equal length, according to someembodiments. In other embodiments, the two anchor portions (1880, 1882)may be of non-equal length. As shown in FIG. 18A, an over-moldedassembly 1872 can be formed over the two anchor portions (1880, 1882).Loops 1884 can be positioned along the length of the anchor portions1880, 1882 to couple to latches of a lid portion (see ref 302, FIG. 3).As shown in FIG. 18B, the over-molded assembly 1872 can be formed over ahook 1874 a, 1874 b of the anchor portion 1880, 1882. By way of example,the over-molded assembly 1872 can be made from a generally flexible,resilient material. Examples of materials for the over-molded assemblyinclude elastomers, rubber, silicone, and the like. In some embodiments,an adhesive or bonding agent can be used provide a more rigid holdbetween the hook 1874 a, 1874 b and the over-molded assembly 1872. Insome embodiments, the bonding agent can be coated over only a portion ofthe hook 1874 a, 1874 b. In other embodiments, the bonding agent can becompletely coated over the entire portion of the hook 1874 a or 1874 b.Accordingly, by bonding the hook 1874 a and 1874 b of the anchorportions 1880, 1882 to the over-mold, the anchor portions 1880, 1882 canmove in conjunction with the over-molded assembly 1872.

As shown in FIG. 18A, first anchor portion 1880 includes an endadjacent, but not directly touching an end of the second anchor portion1882. A gap or split “G” is indicated as separating or dividing the twoanchor portions 1880, 1882 and their respective separated hooks 1874 a,1874 b. The over-molded assembly 1872 is illustrated as extending alongthe entire length of both anchor portions 1880, 1882, while each of theanchor portions 1880, 1882 includes a distinct hook 1874 a, 1874 b. Insome embodiments, the over-molded assembly 1872 can extend along theentire length of both anchor portions 1880, 1882. In other embodiments,the over-molded assembly 1872 can extend along only a portion of bothanchor portions 1880, 1882. If polyurethane material is applied onlyover a small portion of the anchor portions (i.e., where the anchorportion ends meet), then the elastomer material of the over-moldedassembly 1872 may not be sufficient to prevent unwanted “necking” orstretching of the plastic at the gap “G.” The over-molded assembly 1872can be aligned with a rail (not illustrated) extending along the lengthof the anchor portions 1880, 1882. The over-molded assembly 1872 canhide the gap or split “G” between the two anchor portions 1880, 1882,such that cosmetically, the over-molded assembly 1872 resembles a singleintegrated anchor portion. In other words, the over-mold can join twoanchor portions 1880, 1882 to provide a degree of flexibility andstretch not previously capable.

In some examples, the flex “A” of the anchor 1800 in a horizontal axiscan be about 1 millimeter in either direction. In other examples, theflex “A” can be between about 0.001 millimeters to about 2 millimeters.In some examples, the over-mold can be comprised of rubber, elastomer,polyurethane, and the like. In some examples, the over-molded assemblycan flex in a vertical axis “S” such that the anchor 1800 stretcheslengthwise at the gap “G.” In some examples, the over-molded assemblycan stretch (at the split) to extend the length of the anchor 1800between 0.001 mm-2.0 mm in length.

As shown in FIG. 18B, the anchor 1800 can include a beveled or roundedtop surface 1878. In some embodiments, the beveled top surface 1878 canfacilitate in wrapping a cover (see ref. 1304, FIG. 13) around thebeveled top surface 1878. Accordingly, the beveled top surface 1878 ofthe anchor 1800 can facilitate in providing an anchoring or tensioningmechanism for the cover. The hooks 1874 a, 1874 b can be surrounded bythe over-molded material. In other embodiments, the beveled top surface1878 can further include one or more hooks having castellations (seeref. 1306 of FIG. 13) on the beveled top surface. The hooks (see ref1306 of FIG. 13) can facilitate in providing an even more rigid “hold”of the cover to provide an anchoring or tensioning mechanism. In someembodiments, the castellations can hook to corresponding slits orincisions in the flex cover to facilitate the “hold” or “grab” of thecover.

The anchor 1800 can be applied in tolerance stackup analysis to provideallow for more variation or deviation with regard to the tolerancelimits of the components. For example, the anchor 1800 canover-compensate for deviation in the manufacturing of components of thelid portion (see ref. 302, FIG. 3). Using the anchor 1800 can allow forthe assembly to seal a gap seam between two components, even when thereis a deviation in manufacturing (which exceeds the tolerance limits ofmanufacturing. By having two anchor portions 1880, 1882 which can floatat a gap “G,” the anchor portions can ensure that a cover (see e.g., ref1304, FIG. 13) is still able to anchor on or hook to the anchor portionto provide a sufficient tensioning mechanism. In other words, theover-molded assembly can provide a short tolerance loop. By having twoanchor portions that can flex at a split or gap, the manufacturingprocess can bridge the gap in the tolerance loop by enabling theelastomer of the anchor 1800 to provide more coverage (via flex orstretch) than normally would be possible.

Although FIG. 18 illustrates that the exemplary anchor 1800 can includetwo anchor portions (1880, 1882) for use in securing a cover opposite atensioning mechanism, the embodiments shown can also be applied towardsother components of the electronic device to provide allow for morevariation or deviation with regard to the tolerance limits of thecomponents. For example, the exemplary anchor 1800 can be used to securethe mandrel cover 702 to a first portion and/or second portion of theelectronic device. In another example, the exemplary anchor 1800 can beused for securing the cover to an end of the electronic device havingthe tensioning mechanism.

An electronic device such as electronic device 10 of FIG. 19 may havestructures such as housing structures that move with respect to eachother about a hinge axis. A gap in the housing structures may be fullyor partly covered with a hinge gap cover. The hinge gap cover may bedeployed using springs formed from spring-loaded shafts (e.g., shaftsthat rotate within pivots and that are biased by springs that arecoupled to the shafts), springs that bias the hinge gap covers directly(e.g., springs that press against the hinge gap covers in configurationsin which the covers are mounted to shafts that pivot within pivotstructures so that the hinge gap covers open and close), or otherbiasing structures that allow the hinge gap cover to open and close asthe housing structures are moved about the hinge axis.

Device 10 may be a handheld electronic device such as a cellulartelephone, media player, gaming device, or other device, may be a laptopcomputer, tablet computer, or other portable computer, may be a desktopcomputer, may be a computer display, may be a display containing anembedded computer, may be a television or set top box, or may be otherelectronic equipment. Configurations in which device 10 has housingstructures such as a housing lid and base that rotate with respect toeach other about a hinge axis are sometimes described herein as anexample. This is, however, merely illustrative. Device 10 may be anysuitable electronic equipment.

As shown in the example of FIG. 19, device 10 may have a housing such ashousing 12. Housing 12 may be formed from plastic, metal (e.g.,aluminum), fiber composites such as carbon fiber, glass, ceramic, othermaterials, and combinations of these materials. Housing 12 or parts ofhousing 12 may be formed using a unibody construction in which housingstructures are formed from an integrated piece of material. Multiparthousing constructions may also be used in which housing 12 or parts ofhousing 12 are formed from frame structures, housing walls, and othercomponents that are attached to each other using fasteners, adhesive,and other attachment mechanisms.

As shown in FIG. 19, device 10 may have input-output devices such astrack pad 18 and keyboard 16. Device 10 may also have components such asa camera, microphones, speakers, buttons, removable storage drives,status indicator lights, buzzers, sensors, and other input-outputdevices. These devices may be used to gather input for device 10 and maybe used to supply a user of device 10 with output. Ports in device 10may receive mating connectors (e.g., an audio plug, a connectorassociated with a data cable such as a Universal Serial Bus cable, adata cable that handles video and audio data such as a cable thatconnects device 10 to a computer display, television, or other monitor,etc.).

Device 10 may include a display such a display 14. Display 14 may be aliquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, an organiclight-emitting diode (OLED) display, an electrophoretic display, or adisplay implemented using other display technologies. A touch sensor maybe incorporated into display 14 (i.e., display 14 may be a touch screendisplay) or display 14 may be insensitive to touch. Touch sensors fordisplay 14 may be resistive touch sensors, capacitive touch sensors,acoustic touch sensors, light-based touch sensors, force sensors, ortouch sensors implemented using other touch technologies.

Device 10 may have housing portions that move with respect to eachother. As shown in FIG. 19, for example, electronic device 10 may be adevice such as a portable computer or other device that has a two-parthousing including an upper housing portion such as upper housing 12Athat moves with respect to a lower housing portion such as lower housingportion 12B. Upper housing 12A may include display 14 and may sometimesbe referred to as a display housing or lid. Lower housing 12B maysometimes be referred to as a base housing or main housing.

Housings 12A and 12B may be connected to each other using hingestructures located along the junction between the upper edge of lowerhousing 12B and the opposing lower edge of upper housing 12A. Forexample, housings 12A and 12B may be coupled by hinges 26. Hinges 26 maybe located at opposing left and right edges of housing 12 along hingeaxis 22 or may be located at other locations along hinge axis 22 betweenhousing portions 12A and 12B. A slot-shaped opening such as gap 30 maybe formed between upper housing 12A and lower housing 12B and may bebordered on either end by hinges 26.

Gap 30 runs along hinge axis 22 and may therefore sometimes be referredto as a hinge gap. Hinges 26 may allow upper housing 12A to rotate aboutaxis 22 in directions 24 relative to lower housing 12B. The plane of lid(upper housing) 12A and the plane of lower housing 12B may be separatedby an angle that varies between 0° when the lid is closed to 90°, 140°,or more when the lid is fully opened.

Signal paths may extend between upper housing 12A and lower housing 12B.These signal paths may be formed by metal traces on a flexible printedcircuit (e.g., a flexible printed circuit formed from a flexible layerof polyimide or a sheet of other flexible polymer substrate material),coaxial cables, wires, or other signal path structures. For example,signal paths formed from one or more flexible printed circuits 28 maybisect the slot formed from gap 30 as shown in FIG. 19 or may cross gap30 at one or more other locations along the length of gap 30 (asexamples).

Speakers may be located within housing 12. Housing 12 may haveperforations such as circular holes or may use portions of gap 30 orother speaker openings to allow sound to exit the interior of device 10.Openings in housing 12 and/or gap 30 may also be used to vent heated airfrom the interior of device 10 and may serve as antenna aperturesthrough which antenna signals pass during wireless communications.

Gap 30 may have portions that are exposed to the front of device 10(i.e., the portion of gap 30 that is visible in FIG. 19) and portionsthat are exposed to the rear of device 10. The rear portion of hinge gap30 and, if desired, front portions of gap 30 may be partly or fullycovered with hinge gap cover structures. A hinge gap cover may be formedfrom a thin sheet of material that can help cover gap 30. When gap 30 iscovered, potentially unsightly internal components may be hidden fromview. The hinge gap cover may also help prevent intrusion ofcontaminants such as dust and moisture into the interior of device 10.The hinge gap cover may be a movable structure that covers gap 30 whendevice 10 is closed and that does not cover gap 30 when device 10 isopened (as an example).

A cross-sectional side view of a portion of device 10 taken across gap30 when device 10 is in an open position (i.e., when housing portion 12Ais open) is shown in FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 20, device 10 may have aninterior region such as interior region 32. Components 34 may be mountedin interior region 32. Components 34 may include sensors, integratedcircuits, wireless transceivers and other wireless circuitry, antennastructures (e.g., impedance matching circuits, dielectric supportstructures for antenna resonating elements, feed structures, tuningcircuits, amplifiers, etc.), batteries, input-output devices, portconnectors, printed circuits, and other electrical components. As anexample, component 34 of FIG. 20 may be an antenna or part of an antennathat emits and receives antenna signals through gap 30 (e.g., a portionof gap 30 along the front of device 10 and/or a portion of gap 30 alongthe rear of device 10).

Hinge gap cover 36 may be used to cover gap 30. Hinge gap cover 36 may,for example, cover gap 30 when upper housing 12A is closed and may bepulled away from gap 30 as shown in FIG. 20 when housing 12B is in anopened position. When device 10 is open, gap 30 may be smaller due tothe reduced size of the space between housing 12A and 12B and may not bevisible to a user who is located in front of device 10 to view display14. When closed, gap 30 may become larger due to an increased spacingbetween housing 12A and 12B and may be more visible to a user (e.g.,when device 10 is placed upside down on a table). By using hinge gapcover 36, a user's view into the interior of device 10 may be fully orat least partly blocked when device 10 is in its closed position.

In the illustrative configuration of FIG. 20, hinge gap cover 36 hasbeen mounted to upper housing 12A using spring 38. Spring 38 may be, forexample, a torsion spring, or other flexible coupling member that causesan edge of cover 36 to press against housing 12B when upper housing 12Ais in a closed position. Hinge gap cover 36 may be rotatably mounted tohousing 12A (e.g., by mounting hinge gap cover 36 to a shaft thatrotates within pivot structures attached to housing 12A or by mountinghinge gap cover 36 to a pivot structures that receive a shaft that ismounted to housing 12A). In these types of arrangements, spring 38 maybe a spring structure that includes a flexible sheet metal spring orother spring to bias hinge gap cover 36 directly (e.g., spring 38 maypress hinge gap cover 36 into its closed position when housing 12A isclosed). If desired, spring 38 may be a spring structure with a shaftthat is biased with a spring (i.e., spring 38 may be a spring-loadedshaft or other rotatable structure that is mounted to housing 12A usingpivot structures and which is rotated by a torsion spring or otherspring that loads the shaft). In a spring-loaded shaft configuration,cover 36 may be attached to the spring-loaded shaft with welds,adhesive, or other fastening structures and may be rotatably coupled tohousing 12A by mounting the shaft in pivot structures attached tohousing 12A. Rotation of the shaft by the spring may rotate cover 36against housing 12B (e.g., the shaft of spring 38 may be loaded by atorsion spring element or other spring structure so that cover 36 isbiased against housing 12B and thereby effectively seals gap 30 toprevent intrusion of contaminants and block interior portions of device10 from view). If desired, other types of mounting arrangement may beused. For example, cover 36 may be mounted on lower housing 12B, mayhave portions that are mounted respectively on upper housing 12A andlower housing 12B, may be mounted to housing 12 using welds, fasteners,adhesive, or other attachment mechanisms in addition to spring 38 orinstead of spring 38, etc. The arrangement of FIG. 20 in which hinge gapcover 36 is mounted to upper housing 12A using spring 38 is merelyillustrative.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of device 10 in a configurationin which upper housing 12A has been rotated into a closed position. Justbefore closing, the hinge gap cover may be in position 36′ and may beginto contact lower housing 12B. As housing 12A is rotated into its finalclosed position, spring 38 allows the hinge gap cover 36 to rotate aboutthe axis of spring 38, so that outer edge 40 of hinge gap cover 36 willcontact inner surface 42 of the lower wall of housing portion 12B. Theflexibility of spring 38 may prevent hinge gap cover 36 from beingoverly stressed from this contact (i.e., spring 38 allows cover 36 to“give” as needed to prevent detachment of cover 36 from housing 12A). Ifdesired, hinge gap cover 36 may also be flexible and may deflectslightly when contacting lower housing 12B.

Hinge gap cover 36 may be formed from metal, plastic, glass, ceramic,carbon-fiber composites, fiberglass, and other fiber-based composites,other material, or combinations of these materials. With one suitablearrangement, hinge gap cover 36 is formed from a thin sheet of material(e.g., material with a thickness of less than 4 mm, less than 2 mm, lessthan 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm) such as fiberglass or plastic that isradio transparent. By using a material that is radio-transparent (e.g.,a material that is a dielectric rather than a conductor), antennasignals may pass through gap 30 even when gap 30 is covered with cover36. For example, component 34 (e.g., an antenna) may transmit andreceive radio-frequency signals that pass through cover 36.Configurations in which hinge gap cover 36 or portions of hinge gapcover 36 are formed from thin sheets of metal (e.g., stainless steel orother metal having a thickness of 4 mm, less than 2 mm, less than 1 mm,or less than 0.5 mm, etc.) may also be used.

As shown in FIG. 22, components in upper housing 12A such as displayhousing components 44 may be coupled to components in lower housing 12Bsuch as base housing components 46 by one or more flexible printedcircuits such as flexible printed circuit 28 or other flexible signalpaths. Display housing components 44 may include components such as acamera, display 14, a touch sensor (e.g., a touch sensor built intodisplay 14), an ambient light sensor, a light-emitting diode or otherdevice that serves as a status indicator, and other electricalcomponents. Base housing components 46 may include processor circuits,memory circuits, and other control circuitry, communications ports,sensors, input-output devices, track pad 18, keyboard 16, etc. Duringoperation of device 10, upper housing 12A and lower housing 12B mayrotate relative to each other about hinge axis 22, causing flexibleprinted circuit 28 to bend. To ensure that metal traces on flexibleprinted circuits 28 do not experience excessive stress, flexible printedcircuit 28 may be provided with a looped portion that allows flexibleprinted circuit 28 to move back and forth to accommodate opening andclosing of device 10.

In configurations of the type shown in FIG. 22 in which a signal pathformed from flexible printed circuit 28 bridges hinge axis 22 (and gap30), it may be desirable to mount hinge gap cover 36 in a position thatoverlaps flexible printed circuit 28 and thereby blocks flexible printedcircuit 28 from view. As shown in the rear perspective view of device 10in FIG. 23, for example, hinge gap cover 36 may be mounted in device 10so that hinge gap cover 36 overlaps and covers flexible printed circuit28. In the illustrative arrangement of FIG. 23, hinge gap cover 36overlaps only parts of gap 30, so that end portions of gap 30 that arenot covered by hinge gap cover 36 can serve as ports for device 10(e.g., to permit air to flow between the interior of device 10 and theexterior of device 10).

Hinge gap cover 36 may have an elongated rectangular shape that extendsalong the rear edge of device 10 parallel to hinge axis 22. Springs 38may be located at opposing ends of hinge gap cover 36 or may be attachedelsewhere along the length of cover 36. There is one hinge gap cover 36in the example of FIG. 23. If desired, there may be multiple hinge gapcovers 36 in device 10 each of which covers a respective portion of gap30. In the FIG. 23 configuration, hinge gap cover 36 is centered alongthe length of gap 30, but cover 36 may be placed closer to one end ofgap 30 than the other. Housing 12B may have extended portions 123.Hinges 26 (FIG. 1) may be covered by portions 12B′ and gap 30 may extendbetween portions 123. If desired, housing 12B may have a centrallylocated extended portion that covers flexible printed circuit 28 or mayhave other extended housing portions.

Hinge gap cover 36 may have an elongated rectangular shape as shown inFIG. 24. In this type of configuration, the ends of cover 36 may berecessed from hinges 26 and extended housing portions 123, as shown inFIG. 23. If desired, cover 36 may have openings such as openings 50 ofFIG. 25. Openings 50 may run along the length of cover 36 (i.e., cover36 may have a longitudinal axis that runs parallel to hinge axis 22 andopenings 50 may include a set of rectangular openings or openings 50 ofother shape that extend along the longitudinal axis). When cover 36 ofFIG. 25 is installed within device 10, openings 50 may overlap gap 30,so that air can flow through openings 50. As shown in the illustrativeconfiguration of FIG. 26, hinge gap cover 36 may have openings such asrecesses (notches) 52. Recesses 52 may be distributed along the lengthof cover 36 and may overlap gap 30 to provide air passages between theinterior of device 10 and the exterior of device 10. The illustrativeconfigurations for hinge gap cover 36 of FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 are merelyillustrative. Cover 36 may have outlines of other shapes and/or may haveopenings of other shapes.

As shown in the illustrative rear view of device 10 of FIG. 27, housing12B may have extended portions 123 at the left and right edges of device10 and a central extended portion 123 that is centered along the rearedge of housing 12B between the left and right extended portions 123.Gap 30 may have uncovered portions or may be covered with hinge gapcover 36 as shown in FIG. 27.

Hinge gap cover 36 may have a curved profile that helps accommodateflexible printed circuit 28 without damaging flexible printed circuit28. A cross-sectional side view of device 10 in an illustrativeconfiguration in which hinge gap cover 36 has a curved (bent) shape isshown in FIG. 28. As shown in FIG. 28, internal components 34 may becoupled to flexible printed circuit 28 within interior of device 10.Flexible printed circuit 28 may have bends such as bend 58 and bend 60.During movement of upper housing 12A relative to lower housing 12B,flexible printed circuit 28 may flex at bends 58 and 60. Inner surface56 of hinge gap cover 36 may have a convexly curved surface. With thisarrangement, hinge gap cover 36 bows inwardly towards flexible printedcircuit 28. The curved shape of surface 56 may help reduce wear andsharp bends in flexible printed circuit 28 when flexible printed circuit28 bears against convexly curved surface 56 of hinge gap cover 36, asshown in FIG. 29 (i.e., when housing 12A has been opened so thatflexible printed circuit 28 rests adjacent to hinge gap cover 36). Ifdesired, hinge gap cover 36 may have other shapes (e.g., planar shapes,shapes that are bowed outwardly towards gap 30 rather than inwardly awayfrom gap 30 towards the interior of device 10, etc.). The configurationof FIGS. 28 and 29 in which hinge gap cover 36 is curved inwardly andpresents a convexly curved surface 56 to adjacent structures such asflexible printed circuit 28 is merely illustrative.

FIGS. 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are cross-sectional side views of thehousing of device 10 in various different hinge gap coverconfigurations.

The cross-sectional side view of FIG. 30 shows how housing 12B may havean extended portion 12B′ that helps reduce the size of gap 30. In theconfiguration of FIG. 30, device 10 is in its closed position and hingegap cover 36 is covering gap 30. Cover 36 may be bowed inwardly so thatflexible printed circuit 28 is not exposed to excess wear when upperhousing 12A is rotated to place device 10 in its open position (FIG.31).

Housing 12A may have a stop feature that contacts hinge gap cover 36 asdevice 10 is placed in its open position. As shown in FIG. 30, forexample, portion 74 of housing 12A may form stop surface 70. Whenhousing 12A is closed, stop surface 70 is not in contact with contact(or mating) surface 72 of hinge gap cover 36. When housing 12A isopened, stop surface 70 will come into contact with surface 72 and willlift hinge gap cover 36 away from lower housing 12B (i.e., cover 36 willbe raised away from extended portion 12B′ of housing 12B, as shown inFIG. 31).

The cross-sectional side view of FIG. 32 shows how gap 30 may besomewhat wider in a configuration in which rear housing extended portion12B′ of FIGS. 30 and 31 is not present. In the configuration of FIG. 32,device 10 is in its closed position and hinge gap cover 36 is coveringgap 30. In the closed position, stop surface 70 is not in contact withsurface 72 of hinge gap cover 36 (i.e., the portion of cover 36 adjacentto spring 38). As with cover 36 of FIGS. 30 and 31, cover 36 of device10 in FIG. 32 may be bowed inwardly so that flexible printed circuit 28is not exposed to excess wear when upper housing 12A is rotated to placedevice 10 in its open position (FIG. 33). When housing 12A is opened,stop surface 70 of housing 12A may contact surface 72 of hinge gap cover36 and may lift hinge gap cover 36 away from housing 12B, as shown inFIG. 33.

The cross-sectional side view of illustrative device 10 of FIG. 34 showshow gap 30 may be reduced in size when lower housing 12B is providedwith an internal wall member such as member or structure 76. Member 76may be used to help hide internal components 34 from view. Member 76 mayhave a surface such as surface 78 that is exposed within gap 30. Surface78 may be recessed relative to adjacent surfaces of housing 12B to helpreduce the visibility of surface 78. In the configuration of FIG. 34,device 10 is in its closed position and hinge gap cover 36 is coveringgap 30. Stop surface 70 is not in contact with contact surface 72 ofhinge gap cover 36. Cover 36 may be bowed inwardly, so that flexibleprinted circuit 28 is not exposed to excess wear when upper housing 12Ais rotated into its open position (FIG. 35) to cause stop surface 70 tocontact surface 72 of cover 36 and move cover 36 away from lower housing12B (and thereby uncover gap 30), as shown in FIG. 35.

Internal structures such as structure 76 of FIGS. 34 and 35 that helppartly cover gap 30 may be formed from metal (e.g., the same metal thatis used in forming lower housing 12B or a different metal) or may beformed from dielectric materials. As an example, structure 76 may be aplastic member that helps hide internal components from view through gap30 while allowing antenna signals associated with an antenna in device10 (e.g., component 34) to pass through the plastic member. Conductiveantennas structures may, if desired, be supported by internal wallstructures such as structures 76 or other internal structures adjacentto gap 30.

In accordance with some embodiments, the portable computing deviceincludes a flex circuit configured to electrically couple a firstelectrical component attached to a first portion and a second electricalcomponent attached to a second portion, a hinge mechanism having acurved surface, wherein the flex circuit is configured to bend over thecurved surface, and a flex circuit cover at least partially in contactwith a surface of the flex circuit and having a first end secured to thefirst portion so that the flex circuit cover is free to move withrespect to the second portion when the first and second portions rotatewith respect to each other about a pivot axis associated with the hingemechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex circuit cover of theportable computing device hides the flex circuit from view when thefirst and the second portions rotate with respect to each other.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex circuit cover of theportable computing device is composed of a material selected from thegroup consisting of: glass, polyurethane, fiberglass, aramid fibers, anda composite fiber.

In accordance with some embodiments, wherein the flex circuit coverincludes a structural layer that is bonded between an outer layer and anabrasion resistant layer.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge mechanism of the portablecomputing device includes one or more clutch mechanisms to provide apredetermined amount of resistance when the first and second portionsrotate about the pivot axis associated with the hinge mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex circuit cover of theportable computing device hides a portion of the curved surface of thehinge to mechanism when the first and the second portions are rotatedwith respect to each other.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex circuit cover of theportable computing device is coupled to a tensioning mechanism of thesecond portion and the tensioning mechanism is configured to exert areturn force on the flex circuit cover.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method of covering a cable routedbetween a first portion and a second portion of an electronic device,the first portion pivotally coupled with the second portion at a hingemechanism, the method includes electrically coupling the first portionand the second portion with the cable, the cable drawn over a curvedsurface of the hinge mechanism when the electronic device is rotatedfrom a closed state to an open state and covering an exposed surface ofthe cable with a cover, the cover drawn over the cable and the curvedsurface of the hinge mechanism when the electronic device is rotatedfrom the closed state to the open state.

In accordance with some embodiments, wherein the cover is mechanicallycaptured by the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the cover hides the cable from viewwhen the electronic device is in the open state.

In accordance with some embodiments, the cover is comprised of at leastone of glass, polyurethane, fiberglass, aramid fibers, or a compositefiber.

In accordance with some embodiments, wherein the cover includes astructural layer that is bonded between an outer layer and an abrasionresistant layer.

In accordance with some embodiments, the cover is drawn over a greateramount of the curved surface of the hinge mechanism during the openstate relative to the closed state.

In accordance with some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism isconfigured to exert a return force on the cover when the cover iscoupled to the first portion and a tensioning mechanism of the secondportion.

In accordance with some embodiments, a hinge cover for an electronicdevice having a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion viaa hinge mechanism, the hinge cover includes a first side positionedproximate to a cable, the cable electrically connecting the firstportion to the second portion, wherein the cable is configured to bendover a curved surface of the hinge mechanism and a second side oppositethe first side, wherein the second side is exposed at the hingemechanism when the electronic device is in an open state.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge cover of the electronicdevice is configured to conceal the curved surface of the hingemechanism and the cable from being exposed to a user when the firstportion is pivoted with respect to the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge cover of the electronicdevice is comprised of a flexible material.

In accordance with some embodiments, one or more slits are providedalong the hinge cover of the electronic device such that a first sectionof the hinge cover flexes independently of a second section of the hingecover.

In accordance with some embodiments, the first section of the hingecover is configured to flex freely from the curved surface of the hingemechanism of the electronic device while the second section is adheredto the curved surface of the hinge mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge cover is manufacturedfrom a single layer of a laminated material or a woven material.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge mechanism includes one ormore clutch mechanisms to provide a predetermined amount of resistancewhile transitioning the electronic device from the open state to aclosed state.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge cover substantiallyconceals the entire curved surface of the hinge mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge cover is manufacturedfrom a plurality of bonded layers manufactured from a laminated materialor a woven material.

In accordance with some embodiments, a segment of the hinge coverremains statically fixed to the curved surface of the hinge mechanismwhile the electronic device transitions between the open state and aclosed state.

In accordance with some embodiments, a housing for an electronic device,includes a first portion pivotally coupled to a second portion via ahinge mechanism, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a curved surfaceand a flex cover coupled to the first portion and a tensioning mechanismof the second portion, wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured toexert a return force on the flex cover upon the electronic devicetransitioning from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

In accordance with some embodiments, a flex circuit of the housing isconfigured to bend over the curved surface of the hinge mechanism andelectrically couple a first electrical component of the first portionand a second electrical component of the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism of thehousing is one of an elastic section, a spiral torsion spring, a coilspring, or a leaf spring.

In accordance with some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism of thehousing is an integrated tension mechanism assembly that is configuredto be fully assembled prior to being provided within an interior cavityof the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the integrated tension mechanismassembly of the housing includes a frame having a plurality of cut-outsthat have a size and shape for receiving a spring and shaft.

In accordance with some embodiments, the spring of the housing includestwo independent spring coils that are coupled to each other.

In accordance with some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism of thehousing includes a cylindrical shaft coupled to a retraction spring andthe retraction spring is positioned perpendicular to the flex cover.

In accordance with some embodiments, the retraction spring of thetensioning mechanism is configured to exert rotational torque on thecylindrical shaft such as to provide tension on the flex cover.

In accordance with some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism of thehousing includes a curved outer surface and is configured to draw theflex cover over the curved outer surface as the electronic devicetransitions from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex cover of the housingincludes an engagement feature that is configured to fit within a recessof the tensioning mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex cover of the housingincludes a retaining feature characterized by a first thickness suchthat when the flex cover is fitted within the recess of the tensioningmechanism, the retaining feature of the flex cover cannot be extractedfrom within the recess of the tensioning mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the retaining feature of the flexcover includes a first section of the flex cover that is folded over andsecured to a second section of the flex cover such that the retainingfeature is characterized by a second thickness greater than the firstthickness.

In accordance with some embodiments, a first section of the flex coverof the housing is secured to a second section of the flex cover via atleast one of an adhesive or a stitch.

In accordance with some embodiments, the recess of the tensioningmechanism of the housing is characterized as having a wedged area thatis configured to produce a compressive force on the retaining featurewhen the flex cover is directed towards the hinge mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the retaining feature of the flexcover includes a removable enlarging element such that the retainingfeature is characterized by a second thickness greater than the firstthickness.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex cover is coupled to ananchor of the first portion of the housing that is opposite thetensioning mechanism of the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex cover is coupled to theanchor via at least one of adhesives, hooks, castellations, or amechanical interlock.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex cover is configured to bewrapped around the anchor of the first portion of the housing.

In accordance with some embodiments, a portable computing device,including a first portion having a first electrical component and asecond portion having a second electrical component and a hingemechanism having a curved surface that pivotally couples the first andsecond portions, wherein a flex cable is configured to bend over thecurved surface to electrically couple the first and second electricalcomponents.

In accordance with some embodiments, the curved surface of the hingemechanism of the portable computing device includes one or more pathwayshaving a shape and size for receiving one or more foreign particles.

In accordance with some embodiments, the one or more pathways of thecurved surface of the hinge mechanism include an inlet and an outletconfigured to pass the one or more foreign particles from an interiorcavity of the portable computing device to outside the portablecomputing device.

In accordance with some embodiments, a portion of the hinge mechanismmechanism of the portable computing device is comprised of anelastomeric material.

In accordance with some embodiments, a woven laminate layer is bonded toan underlying surface of the flex cable of the hinge mechanism of theportable computing device and is configured to shield the underlyingsurface from damage by foreign particles.

In accordance with some embodiments, a barrier is positioned at aventilation gap that is disposed between the first portion and thesecond portion of the hinge mechanism of the portable computing devicesuch that the barrier is configured to prevent foreign particles fromentering an interior cavity of the portable computing device.

In accordance with some embodiments, a housing for an electronic device,including a hinge mechanism having a curved surface that pivotallycouples between a first portion of the housing and a second portion ofthe housing, wherein at least one of the first portion or the secondportion includes a plurality of components that are separated by a gapand an anchor assembly having a size and a shape to fit within the gap,the anchor assembly including a first anchor portion that is pivotallycoupled to a second anchor portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the anchor assembly includes aflexible mold that is configured to flex at a division corresponding towhere the first anchor portion is separated from the second anchorportion.

In accordance with some embodiments, an enclosure for a portablecomputing device having a first portion and a second portion, includinga hinge mechanism having a curved surface that pivotally couples thefirst portion and the second portion, wherein the first portion and thesecond portion are separated by a gap that provides access to aninterior cavity of the second portion and a hinge gap cover pivotallycoupled to the first portion, wherein the hinge gap cover is configuredto reduce a size of the gap when the enclosure transitions from an openconfiguration to a closed configuration.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge gap cover of theenclosure is formed from radio-transparent material.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge gap cover of theenclosure is configured to rotate about an axis associated with thehinge mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the second portion of the enclosureincludes a stopping surface that is configured to contact against amating surface of the hinge gap cover such as to inhibit rotation of thehinge gap cover towards the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the stopping surface of the secondportion is free of contact from the mating surface when the enclosure isin the closed configuration.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge gap cover of theenclosure is substantially convex shaped and is bowed inwardly towardsan interior cavity of the enclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments, wherein a flex circuit isconfigured to electrically couple a first electrical component attachedto the first portion and a second electrical component attached to thesecond portion, wherein the hinge gap cover is characterized as having acurved profile, and wherein the curved profile of the hinge gap covermirrors a bend of the flex circuit.

In accordance with some embodiments, the first portion of the enclosurecomprises a plurality of protruded extensions that are configured toreduce the size of the gap.

In accordance with some embodiments, one or more recesses are providedalong a length of the hinge gap cover and are configured to funnel airbetween an interior cavity of the enclosure and outside of theenclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments, a spring is coupled to the hingegap cover such as to bias the hinge gap cover towards the secondportion.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method for exerting tension on aflex cover of an electronic device, the electronic device having a firstportion pivotally coupled to a second portion via a hinge mechanism,including coupling the first portion to the second portion with a flexcover, wherein flex cover is drawn over a curved surface of the hingemechanism, and wherein the flex cover is coupled to a tensioningmechanism of the second portion that is configured to exert a returnforce on the flex cover.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method further includeselectrically coupling the first portion and the second portion with acable, wherein the cable is drawn over the curved surface.

In accordance with some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism is one ofan elastic section, a spiral torsion spring, a coil spring, or a leafspring.

In accordance with some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism is anintegrated tension mechanism assembly that is configured to be fullyassembled prior to being provided within an interior cavity of thesecond portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex cover is coupled to ananchor of the first portion that is opposite the tensioning mechanism ofthe second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, a method for covering a gap thatprovides access to an interior cavity between a first portion and asecond portion of a portable computing device enclosure, the firstportion being pivotally coupled to the second portion via a hingemechanism, includes coupling a rotatable hinge gap cover to the hingemechanism, wherein the hinge mechanism includes a curved surface, andwherein the hinge gap cover is configured to rotate towards the secondportion such as to reduce a size of the gap when the enclosuretransitions from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

In accordance with some embodiments, the method further includeselectrically coupling the first portion to the second portion with aflex circuit, wherein the flex circuit is drawn over the curved surfaceof the hinge mechanism.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge gap cover issubstantially convex shaped and is bowed inwardly towards an interiorcavity of the enclosure.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge gap cover ischaracterized as having a curved profile, and wherein the curved profileof the hinge gap cover mirrors a bend of the flex circuit.

In accordance with some embodiments, the first portion comprises aplurality of protruded extensions that are configured to reduce the sizeof the gap.

In accordance with some embodiments, an enclosure for a portablecomputing device, comprises a first enclosure portion having a firstelectrical component, a second enclosure portion having a secondelectrical component, wherein the first portion and the second portionare separated by a ventilation gap that provides access to an interiorcavity of the second portion, a flex circuit configured to electricallycouple the first electrical component attached to the first portion andthe second electrical component attached to the second portion, a hingemechanism having a curved surface, wherein the first portion isconfigured to pivot relative to the second portion via the hingemechanism, and wherein the flex circuit is configured to be drawn overthe curved surface, a hinge gap cover pivotally coupled to the firstportion, wherein the hinge gap cover is configured to reduce a size ofthe ventilation gap when the enclosure transitions from an openconfiguration to a closed configuration, and a flex circuit cover thatis configured to be drawn over the flex circuit and that is coupledbetween the first portion and a tensioning mechanism of the secondportion, wherein the tensioning mechanism is positioned within theinterior cavity and is configured to exert a return force on the flexcircuit cover upon the enclosure transitioning from the openconfiguration to the closed configuration.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge gap cover of theenclosure includes one or more slits that separates a first section froma second section such that a first section of the hinge gap cover flexesindependently of a second section of the hinge gap cover.

In accordance with some embodiments, wherein a flex circuit isconfigured to electrically couple a first electrical component attachedto the first portion and a second electrical component attached to thesecond portion, wherein the hinge gap cover is characterized as having acurved profile, and wherein the curved profile of the hinge gap covermirrors a bend of the flex circuit.

In accordance with some embodiments, a woven laminate layer is bonded toan underlying surface of the flex circuit and is configured to shieldthe flex circuit from damage by foreign particles.

In accordance with some embodiments, a stopping surface is provided onthe second portion that is configured to contact a mating surface of thehinge gap cover such as to inhibit rotation of the hinge gap covertowards the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, a housing for an electronic devicecomprises a first housing portion having a first electrical component, asecond housing portion having a second electrical component wherein thefirst portion is configured to pivot relative to the second portion, ahinge mechanism having a curved surface and providing a pivot axis forthe first and second housing portions, wherein the curved surface of thehinge mechanism is comprised of elastomeric material, a ventilation gapthat is disposed proximate to the hinge mechanism and is positionedbetween the first and second housing portions, wherein the ventilationgap provides access to an interior cavity of the second portion, abarrier positioned within the ventilation gap and having a size andshape that reduces an opening of the ventilation gap, a flex circuitcable configured to electrically couple the first electrical componentof the first portion and the second electrical component of the secondportion, wherein the flex circuit cable is configured to be drawn overthe curved surface and the flex circuit is characterized as having abend that is associated with the curved surface, a woven laminate layerbonded to an underlying surface of the flex circuit cable, wherein thewoven laminate layer is configured to protect the flex circuit cablefrom foreign particles, a hinge gap cover having a curved profile thatis pivotally coupled to the first portion and is configured to rotateabout the pivot axis associated with the hinge mechanism, wherein thehinge gap cover is configured to reduce a size of the ventilation gapwhen the housing transitions from an open configuration to a closedconfiguration, a stopping surface provided on the second portion that isconfigured to contact a mating surface of the hinge gap cover such as toinhibit rotation of the hinge gap cover towards the second portion, aflex circuit cover that is configured to be drawn over the flex circuitand that is coupled between an anchor portion of the first portion and aspring-based tensioning mechanism of the second portion, wherein theanchor portion is an over-molded anchor assembly that includes a moldedfirst anchor portion that is pivotally coupled to a second anchorportion, wherein the spring-based tensioning mechanism is positionedwithin the interior cavity and is configured to exert a return force onthe flex circuit cover upon the housing transitioning from the openconfiguration to the closed configuration, and a hinge mechanism coverconfigured to conceal the curved surface of the hinge mechanism and theflex circuit cable from being exposed to a user when the first portionis pivoted with respect to the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the spring-based tensioningmechanism of the housing is part of a tension mechanism assembly that isconfigured to be fully assembled prior to being provided within aninterior cavity of the second portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the flex circuit cover of thehousing is coupled to the anchor portion via at least one of adhesives,hooks, castellations, or a mechanical interlock.

In accordance with some embodiments, a spring is coupled to the hingegap cover of the housing such as to bias the hinge gap cover towards thesecond portion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the hinge gap cover of the housingincludes one or more slits that separates a first section from a secondsection such that a first section of the hinge gap cover flexesindependently of a second section of the hinge gap cover.

In accordance with some embodiments, a housing for an electronic deviceincludes a flex circuit configured to electrically couple a firstelectrical component attached to a first portion and a second electricalcomponent attached to a second portion and a hinge mechanism having acurved surface that pivotally couples between the first portion and thesecond portion of the housing, wherein a section of the flex circuitthat is drawn over the curved surface is characterized as having a bendthat is associated with the curved surface.

In accordance with some embodiments, a radius of the curved surfacedictates a minimal bend radius of the flex circuit.

In accordance with some embodiments, the curved surface is configured toimpart the section of the flex circuit to bend in a first directionwhile being inhibited from bending in a second direction that isopposite the first direction.

In accordance with some embodiments, the curved surface is configured toimpart the section of the flex circuit to bend further along the firstdirection subsequent to the housing transitioning from an openconfiguration to a closed configuration.

In accordance with some embodiments, the curved surface subjects theflex circuit to minimal stress while bending.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specificembodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustrationand description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theembodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to oneof ordinary to skill in the art that many modifications and variationsare possible in view of the above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable computing device, comprising: a cableconfigured to electrically couple a first electrical component attachedto a first portion of the portable computing device and a secondelectrical component attached to a second portion of the portablecomputing device; a hinge mechanism having a curved surface, wherein thecable is configured to bend over the curved surface; and a cover atleast partially in contact with a surface of the cable and having afirst end and a second end; a tensioning mechanism to apply tension tothe second end of the cover to pull the second end into the secondportion of the portable computing device.
 2. The portable computingdevice of claim 1, wherein the cover hides the cable from view when thefirst portion and the second portion rotate with respect to each other.3. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the cover iscomposed of a material selected from a group consisting of: glass,polyurethane, fiberglass, aramid fibers, and a composite fiber.
 4. Theportable computing device of claim 1, wherein the cover comprises astructural layer that is bonded between an outer layer and an abrasionresistant layer.
 5. The portable computing device of claim 1, whereinthe hinge mechanism comprises one or more clutch mechanisms to provide apredetermined amount of resistance when the first portion and the secondportion rotate about a pivot axis associated with the hinge mechanism.6. The portable computing device of claim 1, wherein the cover hides aportion of the curved surface of the hinge mechanism when the firstportion and the second portion are rotated with respect to each other.7. A method of covering a cable routed between a first portion and asecond portion of an electronic device, the first portion pivotallycoupled with the second portion at a hinge mechanism, the methodcomprising: electrically coupling the first portion and the secondportion with the cable, the cable drawn over a curved surface of thehinge mechanism when the electronic device is rotated from a closedstate to an open state; and covering an exposed surface of the cablewith a cover, the cover drawn over the cable and the curved surface ofthe hinge mechanism when the electronic device is rotated from theclosed state to the open state; attaching a tensioning mechanism to thecover to apply a return force to the cover.
 8. The method of claim 7,wherein the cover is mechanically captured by the second portion.
 9. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the cover hides the cable from view when theelectronic device is in the open state.
 10. The method of claim 7,wherein the cover is comprised of at least one of glass, polyurethane,fiberglass, aramid fibers, or a composite fiber.
 11. The method of claim7, wherein the cover comprises a structural layer that is bonded betweenan outer layer and an abrasion resistant layer.
 12. The method of claim7, wherein the cover is drawn over a greater amount of the curvedsurface of the hinge mechanism during the open state relative to theclosed state.
 13. The method of claim 7, wherein the cover is coupled tothe first portion of the electronic device and the tensioning mechanism.14. A hinge cover for an electronic device having a first portionpivotally coupled to a second portion via a hinge mechanism, the hingecover comprising: a first side positioned proximate to a cable, thecable electrically connecting the first portion to the second portion,wherein the cable is configured to bend over a curved surface of thehinge mechanism; a second side opposite the first side, wherein thesecond side is exposed at the hinge mechanism when the electronic deviceis in an open state; and a tensioning mechanism to pull the hinge coverinto the second portion of the electronic device.
 15. The hinge cover ofclaim 14, wherein the hinge cover is configured to conceal the curvedsurface of the hinge mechanism and the cable from being exposed to auser when the first portion is pivoted with respect to the secondportion.
 16. The hinge cover of claim 14, wherein the hinge cover iscomprised of a flexible material.
 17. The hinge cover of claim 14,wherein one or more slits are provided along the hinge cover such that afirst section of the hinge cover flexes independently of a secondsection of the hinge cover.
 18. The hinge cover of claim 17, wherein thefirst section of the hinge cover is configured to flex freely from thecurved surface of the hinge mechanism while the second section isadhered to the curved surface of the hinge mechanism.
 19. The hingecover of claim 14, wherein the hinge cover is manufactured from a singlelayer of a laminated material or a woven material.
 20. A portablecomputing device, comprising: a first housing portion containing adisplay assembly; a second housing portion containing a circuitcomponent, the second housing portion joined to the first housingportion by a rotatable hinge mechanism, the first and second housingportions being movable between a closed state and an open state; a cableelectrically coupling the display assembly to the circuit component, thecable having a first side surface configured to bend about a curvedsurface of the rotatable hinge mechanism and having a second sidesurface positioned on the cable opposite the first side surface, thefirst side surface configured to be positioned below the second sidesurface when the first and second housing portions are in the closedstate; a cover contacting the second side surface of the cable andextending between the first housing portion and the second housingportion; a shaft coupled to a retraction spring positioned in the secondhousing portion, the shaft coupled with an end of the cover, theretraction spring exerting a rotational torque on the shaft to draw thecover over an outer surface of the shaft.